What is a Music Publisher?
A music publisher is a company or individual that manages the legal and financial rights of songs (the composition, not the recording). Their main job is to ensure that songwriters and copyright owners are properly registered, credited, and paid whenever their music is used.
Their main roles are to:
- Administer rights: Handle the registration of songs with copyright offices and royalty collection agencies.
- Collect royalties: Track and gather payments from streaming, radio, live performances, films, ads, and more.
- Secure licenses and placements: Grant permission for songs to be used in recordings, broadcasts, films, or other projects.
- Protect ownership: Manage contracts and enforce rights if a song is used without authorization.
Without publishers, many royalties would go uncollected and rights could be overlooked. With them, the value of music is managed, protected, and turned into income for its rightful owners.
In short: Music publishers are the business managers of songs, making sure music generates revenue and the correct people get paid.
If you haven’t signed a publishing deal, you are your publisher!
If you feel like you can’t take on the task of exploiting and administering your song catalog, then you should look into getting a publishing deal.