Music Publishing is kind of a strange animal in the digital age. A lot has changed over the last 15 years or so. This is such an in-depth subject that I will not be able to cover it in one post. So I will be posting topics on this subject in a series of posts. This is going to be part 1. Now keep in mind, that I am NOT an attorney, so please consult one before signing any documents. This series of posts is meant to help give you a little insight into music publishing from my experience, this post should not be taken as 100% accurate, therefore I can't be held liable for any damages from you not consulting an attorney. Now with the disclaimer out of the way, let's get to it.

The basic definition of music publishing in everyday terms without using the attorney talk (legal definition) is this: You own it unless or until you sign it away!!! From the time you create the beat, if you are a producer or the time you write the lyrics, if you are a song writer; you own the publishing rights. That is no one can do anything with your songs, without your permission (i.e. release them commercially via record labels, put them in films, play it on the radio, put them in video games ect.).

The legal definition is this: Consists of companies mainly engaged in acquiring and registering copyrights for musical compositions and promoting and authorising the use of these compositions in recordings, radio, television, motion pictures, live performances, print, or other media. Companies in this class represent the interest of the composers ( beat makers or Lyricists) , or other owners of musical compositions, to produce revenues from the use of such works, usually through licensing agreements. These Companies may own the copyright or act as administrator of the music copyrights on behalf of copyright owners. Also included in this class are Companies publishing sheet music (including in bound book form).




When or if you sign with a record label, you still own the publishing rights, which is the P.A. Copyright (Performance Artist), the label will own the S.R. Copyright (Sound Recording). You will own these rights unless you sign either all or part of it away. Unless a company is offering you some real big money, it is NOT advised to sign over ALL of your publishing. Most companies will want you to sign over a portion, which is fair up to 50% but not over that. Beware of any company that wants more than 50%


In the next post, I will discuss how you can get paid by owning your publishing, so stay tuned!!!

I often get mixes for mastering or track for mixing that have vocals that sound horrible. Now I understand that not everybody has a Neumann u87, AKG C 414 or a Rode NTK tube mic. Those are my favorite mics, by the way.. But you really don't have to have any of those to get a good sound.  First you need to make sure that your recording environment is quiet, then take off all eq's; vocals or anything else for that matter, should never be recorded with eq. You should also try to use some sort of reflexion filter if you are recording in an open room as well as a popper stopper to help reduce "p" popping.


If you must use compression, use very little during the recording process as compression is usually added during the mixing process. 


Make sure if your mic is "not" Bi- directional, that you are recording on the front side of the mic; if you are getting that hollow room sound, your mic is backwards. The logo of the brand of mic you are using should be facing forward in front of the artist.


If you run through those simple checks, your vocals should come out crisp and clean.

I my studio sessions with new artists the question almost always comes up and that is How do I get noticed as new artist.
Many will think  a move to Los Angeles, Atlanta or New York is the instant fix but as anyone who already lives in those cities will tell you, it is not that easy for them either and they live there. So moving is not always the answer, especially in the digital age. During the 90's and early 2000's, if you lived in Chickenfoot, Texas, a move to a bigger city would be necessary. After all, how could you promote in a town of 200 people? But, now in the digital age, you can bring the big city  to Chickenfoot all at the click of a mouse.

The first thing you need is a great song. Whether it is Rap, Pop, Country, R&B, EDM or whatever, the song has to be great. Not just good but Great! You need to stand out from the crowd.

You may ask, how do I know my song is great? Put it out on the internet and test it! Get you a soundcloud, youtube, facebook, twitter and instagram account and release your song to the world and see what feedback you get.

Social media is a must in this digital age! If you don't have many followers, I suggest you get to working. It is hard work but it can be done if you want success bad enough.

Once you get this first step done and working you are well on your way.