Music Copyright 101: Protecting Your Work and Getting Paid
Yo, What’s Good?
First off, big thanks for checking out my blog. Appreciate the love! Now, just a heads-up,, this is all info from what I’ve learned along the way, but I’d say do your own research too. There’s loads of info out there, and you’ll figure out what’s legit and what’s just noise. Make sure you’re checking different sources so you can really understand what’s real.
And look, I’m just like you, learning and leveling up every day.
What is Music Copyright?
Alright, imagine you draw something. That drawing is yours, right? Nobody can just take it, copy it, or use it without asking you. The same thing happens when you make music. When you write a track, it’s like your drawing,, it belongs to you. This is called copyright.
With copyright, only you decide how people use your music. If someone wants to play it on the radio, use it in a YouTube vid, or sing it at a concert, they need to ask you first (or pay up). You choose if you want to share, sell, or keep your track for yourself.
What is Music Publishing?
Let’s say you made a song, but don’t have the time to push it out to everyone. A music publisher handles that for you. They’re like your sidekick, making sure your music is out there and you get paid when people use it.
For example, if your song gets played on TV, in a movie, or at a gig, the publisher makes sure you get your money. They take a little cut for helping you, though.
What Are Songwriter Rights?
When you write a song, there are two big parts:
1. The song itself (like the melody and lyrics). This is the composition.
2. The recording of the song (the actual audio track). This is called the master or master recording.
If you’re the songwriter, you own both, and you should get paid every time someone uses, plays, or buys your track. And remember, the melody is part of the beat, and the beat is part of the writing—it’s all considered music writing.
Here’s how you get paid
1. Performance Royalties: When people play your song on the radio, in a club, or at a concert.
2. Mechanical Royalties: When your song is streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, or bought online.
3. Sync Royalties: When your song is used in a film, TV show, or an advert.
So, What if You’re a Singer Working with a Producer?
Let’s say you’re a singer and you’re working with a producer. You write the song and record it, while the producer creates the beat and produces the track. In this case, you both own 50% each on the publishing side, because you contributed equally to the creation of the song.
When it comes to master copyrights, it depends on how much you paid the producer. Most producers just want a production fee and don’t ask for a share of the master. However, some producers might charge you a lower production fee in exchange for splitting the master recordings with you, like a 50/50 split. Make sure you discuss this with the producer before you start working.
Exclusive Beat vs Licensing the Beat
Also, remember to sort out with the producer whether you’re buying the beat exclusively or just licensing it.
• Exclusive means that once you buy it, only you can use that beat, and no one else can.
• Licensing means the producer can resell that same beat to as many artists as they want. So, other artists may have the same beat but with different lyrics on it.
The exclusive beat fees can be quite expensive, so you’ll need to decide based on your project’s budget. Licensing a beat is way cheaper and can fit most budgets, depending on the license type you buy.
And always know the basics so you’re clear on what you’re getting, because sometimes not knowing enough can stop you from getting the best deal or option out there.
Who Collects Your Money?
There are special companies called Performing Rights Organisations (PROs) — like PRS in the UK, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC in the USA, SOCAN in CANADA and IPRS in INDIA — that collect your money when your track is played in public (on the radio, at concerts, on streaming platforms). If you don’t sign up with them, you might miss out on getting paid!
How to Split a Song When You Work with Others
If you work with other people,,,, like someone writes the lyrics, another person makes the beat, and someone else sings,,,, you need to agree on how much each person owns.
Let’s say three people work on a track. You might split it up so everyone owns 33%. It’s important to figure this out, because that’s how you decide who gets paid what when the money comes in.
Protecting Your Music
To make sure no one steals your track, you can register your copyright with a special service (like the UK Copyright Service). This is proof that the song belongs to you, so if anyone tries to use it without permission, you can hit them up legally.
Watch Out for Common Problems
1. Using Samples: If you use a sample from someone else’s song, make sure you get permission and pay for it. If not, you could get into legal trouble.
2. Buying Beats Online: If you buy a beat, make sure you have the right to use it. If not, the producer could come back later and ask for more money or take your song down.
3. Copyright Infringement: If someone uses your song without asking, you can tell them to stop or even get their video or song taken down from places like YouTube or Spotify.
The Big Idea
So yeah, when you make music, it’s super important to protect it. You own your tracks, and there are loads of ways to make money from them when people use or stream them. Signing up with a PRO or working with a publisher helps you make sure you get paid.
And always make sure to agree on who owns what when you’re working with others. That way, there’s no confusion or drama later on.
That’s it,,,, simple, right? and yeah do some more research.
Love ❤️
Stay Blessed 🙏