First off, I realize music publishing is mainly a concern for established artists but I am very curious about the process. I really like learning about the business side of EDM but I rarely see any artists or forums discussing it.

I think I have a decent grasp on what a major music publisher does. However, what I am curious about is what the process is if one doesn't have a music publisher or collection society. For example, let's say I write and produce my own dance song and have 100% of the credits (other than say mastering which I assume is a contract onetime fee type deal with no required credits). Then I go to a medium sized label run by a top 50 DJ and they sign it:

1. Am I then assumed by the label to be acting as both the songwriter and the music publisher of the work?

General questions:

2. In the same way that a copyright is technically automatic when you make something, say an original house song to MP3, is the copyright creator automatically given the additional position as the publisher until they make an arrangement with another publisher to take some or all of the rights to it?

3. Let's say a major movie wanted to use your song playing in the background on a car stereo in a scene. Is the film company obligated (technically, I am not saying they always would) to contact the copyright owner for permission regardless of whether they are a major publisher or not?

4. If I write an original melody could I give the right to us it (but not exclusive rights) to 3 different producers who each sign a track containing it to record labels with myself credited as a songwriter on all 3 releases?

Thanks for any response to my detailed questions. I hope I explained my questions well enough.

___________________
Songwriter/artist and reluctant producer.

My Soundcloud

The answers to your questions are somehow country specific as the laws are too. But i have some general answers for you:

1. Depending on the contract you make. These days the most usual is 'master contract' which means that you do all the writing, producing, mixing and mastering and sell the complete product to label. Usually along with the rights. The label then takes care of printing, publishing, advertising and selling your product.

2. You become the publisher when you upload your mp3 to internet. For example souncloud, which is one type of publishing your music.

3. Yes they are. By doing so without the permission, they are breaking the copyright law.

4. Yes, but you should have some kind of contract with the other producers about how to divide the possible royalties and other income in the future. Also the label that signs the other producers might have their opinion about who should own the songwriting credits.

The main point being, make a contract about everything.

quote:

Originally posted by Soyagua The answers to your questions are somehow country specific as the laws are too. But i have some general answers for you: 1. Depending on the contract you make. These days the most usual is 'master contract' which means that you do all the writing, producing, mixing and mastering and sell the complete product to label. Usually along with the rights. The label then takes care of printing, publishing, advertising and selling your product. 2. You become the publisher when you upload your mp3 to internet. For example souncloud, which is one type of publishing your music. 3. Yes they are. By doing so without the permission, they are breaking the copyright law. 4. Yes, but you should have some kind of contract with the other producers about how to divide the possible royalties and other income in the future. Also the label that signs the other producers might have their opinion about who should own the songwriting credits. The main point being, make a contract about everything.

Hey, thanks so much for the response! After I wrote it I realized I needed to clarify I was asking mostly in regards to the United States (or else in general worldwide), as music law is different around the world. I also understand major publishers usually work with publishers in other countries to make sure royalties are being gathered there as well.

___________________
Songwriter/artist and reluctant producer.

My Soundcloud