You’ve got a song, you let it out . . . now what? Just what does publishing music involve, and in today’s world of online music distributors, can you publish music on your own?
While more and more independent artists have signed record deals from exposure on "MySpace" and the like, the traditional route of working with a music publishing company is still likely a better bet. To get your songs in front of music publishers, consider the following:
1. Work with a professional to create a high-quality demo of your very best songs before submitting anything to music publishers.
2. Take a stab at online distributors. You never know–your catchy tune may catch on with online fans.
3. Explore hiring a music broker or other professional with contacts in music publishing. If successful, this will give your songs the most exposure.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Spend time on a demo
Nothing will turn off a song publishing company more than an amateur-sounding demo. Don't let your talent be overshadowed by poor quality production; spend the money to do the demo right.
I recommend: Dino’s Demos can help improve your music demo, which just might improve your chances of getting in front of a song publishing company.
Hire a professional
Just like most areas of the entertainment industry, it's not what you know but who you know. Well, music brokers, agents and other professional not only have invaluable music publishing information, but they also have the connections to get you one step closer to a music publishing contract.
I recommend: Paramount Group helps aspiring songwriters get their songs in front of music publishing companies. In addition, if your strength lies in writing lyrics and not music, they have a team of songwriters that will work with you to find melodies for your words.
The Music Broker Network pitches unsigned songwriters and producers to music publishing company executives. There is an annual membership fee, however, the site claims it is not an agent, with agent fees and contracts.
Try your luck with online music distributors
There are a variety of online music distribution arenas today, and rumor has it song publishing companies search these sites for the latest sure thing. It can't hurt, right?
I recommend: SongCast is an online resource for independent artists to distribute their music to iTunes, Rhapsody and other major music download retailers.
OurStage takes it a step further by allowing fans of the site to judge up-and-coming music that has been uploaded to the website. Winners of “Let The Fans Decide” are eligible for cash prizes and more exposure to their music.
Bone up on your studies of music publishing
Even if you think you have the musical chops to make it in the music biz, you may need music publishing information and other insider tips on the business side of the industry. Music schools recognize the value of this and offer such classes in their schedules.
I recommend: Berklee College of Music offers such courses as Music Marketing 101, Music Business 101 and Music Publishing 101 – all of which could provide the skills you need to get your foot in the door of the music publishing business.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- When signing with a music broker, look for hidden fees and make sure you'll retain the rights to your music once a music publishing company publishes it.
The official source of Music Publishing is the Music Publishing page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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