Protect yourself and get all money from your music:
Step 1: Copyright your music
- One of the most important things you can do when starting to release music or perform it in public is to copyright it.
- If you don’t copyright your work other people can steal it and you won’t be able to prove it is yours.
- Having a copyright protects you from others stealing your work and saying it’s theirs.
- Learn more about registering your work:
- Visit website: U.S Copyright Office
- Read article: What Musicians Should Know About Copyright.
Step 2: Register with a performing right organization
- In order for songwriters to get money (royalties) from their music being played publicly they need to sign up with a performing rights organization (PRO).
- When you become a member of these organizations you will receive royalties when your music is streamed, performed, and played in television and film.
- The three major PRO’s are ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.
- To learn more about how to join and which is best for you please see the links below:
Step 3: Register with Sound Exchange and Song Trust
- In order to collect all of your royalties, including royalties from non-interactive streaming services such as Pandora and SiriusXM, register with Sound Exchange.
- Sound Exchange is a different type of performing rights organization but it is just as important.
Step 4: Distribute Your Music
- Music distribution companies will get your music onto streaming platforms and distribute your music to Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL, etc.
- Some of the most popular music distributors include CD Baby and Tune Core. Learn more about these music distributors and decide which one is best for you.
- Review A Complete Guide to Music Distribution Companies.
Step 5: Continue Educating Yourself on the Music Business
- Music Forward Foundation provides aspiring music industry professionals with services such as webinars, scholarships, and virtual open mic nights.
- Live Out L!ve is a boutique touring and booking agency that provides aspiring music industry professionals with resources to learn more about the live music industry. They host webinars and panels bringing on tour managers, concert photographers, and more industry professionals.
- Song Trust Resources Center offers information on royalties, music publishing, and much more.
- Subscribe to Youtube channels dedicated to helping you get started on your music journey, such as Music Money Makeover Show, Ari’s Take, The Indie Music Academy.
Listen to Music Industry Podcasts:
- The New Music Business with Ari Herdstand: In this podcast music business educator Ari Herdstand brings on various guests from musicians and music entrepreneurs to music supervisors and music marketing experts to speak on the ever changing music industry.
- The Music Industry Blueprint Podcast with Rick Baker: Music manager and music business professional Rick Barker gives advice and resources to emerging musicians in this podcast. This podcast focuses on music marketing and current topics facing the industry.
- More or Less with Jess: Hosted by music and wellness enthusiast Jess, in this podcast she speaks with musicians about mental health, emotions, and being human.
- Apple Music’s The Zane Lowe Interview Series: Hosted by radio DJ, speaker, and musician Zane Lowe, in this interview series we hear an authentic, vulnerable side of musicians and music making that is refreshing. Guests include Harry Styles, Halsey, Lewis Capaldi, boygenius, and many more.
Get Involved: Volunteer Opportunities
- Reverb is a non-profit that encourages people to take action on climate change in the music industry. Reverb partners with music festivals and touring artists such as Billie Eilish and The 1975, giving fans an opportunity to volunteer at concerts to educate concert-goers about climate change.
- Headcount is an organization that encourages younger people to register to vote. They partner with musical artists and offer music fans opportunities to volunteer at concerts to educate concert-goer about the importance of voting.