Songwriting Archives | 1840 Music Group

Category: <span>Songwriting</span>

How Mechanical Royalties are Calculated and Distributed

May 27, 2023May 28, 2023
by 1840 Music Group

Mechanical royalties are an important source of income for songwriters and publishers. These royalties are paid for the reproduction of music on physical media such as CDs, vinyl records, and digital downloads. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how mechanical royalties are calculated and distributed.

Mechanical Royalty Rates

The royalty rate for mechanical royalties is set by law and varies depending on the country. In the United States, the current mechanical royalty rate is 9.1 cents per reproduction of a song on a physical medium. This rate is adjusted periodically to account for inflation.

Calculating Mechanical Royalties

The calculation of mechanical royalties is relatively straightforward. To calculate the mechanical royalties owed for a given song, you need to know the number of physical reproductions of the song that have been sold or distributed. The mechanical royalty rate is then applied to that number to determine the total royalty owed.

For example, let’s say that a songwriter’s song was reproduced on 10,000 CDs. The mechanical royalty owed for those 10,000 reproductions would be calculated as follows:

10,000 reproductions x $0.091 (9.1 cents) per reproduction = $910 in mechanical royalties owed.

Distribution of Mechanical Royalties

Mechanical royalties are typically paid to the publisher of the song, who then pays the songwriter their share of the royalties. In some cases, songwriters may have agreements with their publishers that allow them to receive their share of the mechanical royalties directly.

In the United States, mechanical royalties are typically collected and distributed by organizations such as the Harry Fox Agency, which is a subsidiary of the National Music Publishers’ Association. The Harry Fox Agency works with music publishers to license and collect mechanical royalties for the use of their music.

Mechanical royalties are an important source of income for songwriters and publishers, and understanding how they are calculated and distributed is essential for anyone looking to build a career in the music industry. By working with reputable publishers and organizations that specialize in collecting and distributing royalties, songwriters can ensure that they are being fairly compensated for the use of their music on physical media.

Record Label

Different types of royalties musical artists can be paid

May 25, 2023May 28, 2023
by 1840 Music Group

Musical artists make money in a variety of ways, but one of the most important sources of income is through royalties. Royalties are payments that artists receive for the use of their music, whether that’s through radio play, live performances, or streaming platforms. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of royalties that musical artists can be paid.

Mechanical Royalties

Mechanical royalties are paid to artists and songwriters for the reproduction of their music on physical media such as CDs or vinyl records. The amount of the royalty is typically a percentage of the sale price of the physical media, and is typically paid to the songwriter and publisher of the music.

Performance Royalties

Performance royalties are paid to artists and songwriters for the public performance of their music. This includes radio play, live performances, and other public uses of the music. In the United States, performance royalties are typically collected by Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.

Sync Royalties

Sync royalties are paid to artists and songwriters for the use of their music in TV shows, movies, and commercials. This type of royalty is typically negotiated on a case-by-case basis, and the amount of the royalty can vary depending on a number of factors such as the length of the use, the prominence of the use, and the type of media.

Streaming Royalties

Streaming royalties are paid to artists and songwriters for the use of their music on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. The amount of the royalty is typically based on the number of plays or streams of the music, and can vary depending on the platform and the country.

Print Royalties

Print royalties are paid to artists and songwriters for the use of their music in printed materials such as sheet music or songbooks. The amount of the royalty is typically a percentage of the sale price of the printed materials.

Royalties are a critical source of income for musical artists, and understanding the different types of royalties that are available is an important part of building a sustainable career in the music industry. Whether you’re a songwriter, performer, or both, it’s important to work with reputable organizations and industry professionals to ensure that you are being fairly compensated for the use of your music.

Songwriting

Performing rights organizations and how they pay musical artists

May 23, 2023May 28, 2023
by 1840 Music Group

Performing rights organizations (PROs) play a crucial role in ensuring that musical artists are fairly compensated for the use of their music. These organizations collect royalties on behalf of songwriters and composers when their music is played or performed in public, and then distribute those royalties to the rightful owners. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how PROs work and how they pay musical artists.

What are Performing Rights Organizations?

Performing rights organizations are entities that are responsible for collecting and distributing royalties for the public performance of musical works. In the United States, there are three main PROs: ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers), BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.), and SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers). These organizations represent hundreds of thousands of songwriters, composers, and publishers, and are responsible for collecting and distributing royalties for the public performance of their works.

How Do PROs Collect Royalties?

PROs collect royalties for the public performance of music in a variety of ways. They track the use of music on TV and radio, in live performances, in restaurants and bars, and in other public places. They also collect royalties for the use of music on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

When a song is played or performed in public, the venue or broadcaster is required to obtain a license from the PRO that represents the songwriter or composer. The license allows the venue or broadcaster to use the music, and the PRO collects a fee for the license. The fee is then distributed to the songwriter or composer in the form of royalties.

How Do PROs Pay Musical Artists?

PROs distribute royalties to their members on a regular basis, typically quarterly or semi-annually. The amount of royalties paid to each member is based on a number of factors, including the number of times their music was played or performed, the type of use (e.g., TV, radio, live performance), and the size of the venue or audience.

PROs also offer a variety of tools and resources to help musical artists track their royalties and manage their music catalog. This includes online dashboards that allow artists to see how their music is being used and how much they are earning in royalties.

Performing rights organizations play a vital role in ensuring that musical artists are fairly compensated for the use of their music. By tracking the use of music in public and collecting royalties on behalf of songwriters and composers, PROs help to ensure that artists can continue to create and share their music with the world. If you’re a musical artist, it’s important to understand how PROs work and how they can help you earn money from your music.

Production

How can musical artists reach out to synch agencies?

May 20, 2023May 28, 2023
by 1840 Music Group

If you’re a musical artist looking to reach out to sync agencies, here are a few steps you can take:

Research sync agencies: Before reaching out to any agencies, do some research to find out which ones work with artists in your genre or style of music. Look for agencies that specialize in sync licensing for film, TV, commercials, and other media.
Create a portfolio: Put together a portfolio that showcases your music and your brand. This should include high-quality recordings, photos, videos, and any other relevant information that will help you stand out to sync agencies.
Make contact: Once you have identified a few sync agencies that you would like to work with, reach out to them via email or through their website’s contact form. Introduce yourself and your music, and include a link to your portfolio so that they can listen to your music and get a sense of your style.
Follow up: If you don’t hear back from an agency within a week or two, send a polite follow-up email to check in and see if they had a chance to listen to your music. Don’t be pushy, but do show that you’re enthusiastic and eager to work with them.
Be persistent: Reaching out to sync agencies can be a long and often frustrating process, but it’s important to stay persistent and keep trying. Keep honing your craft and improving your portfolio, and eventually, you will find an agency that is the right fit for you.

Remember, sync agencies receive a lot of submissions from artists, so it’s important to stand out from the crowd. Make sure your portfolio is polished and professional, and be persistent in your efforts to make contact with the right agencies. With hard work and determination, you can find success in the world of sync licensing.

Songwriting

Getting prepared for a writer’s round or writers night

May 19, 2023May 29, 2023
by 1840 Music Group

Preparing for a songwriter’s night can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, as it’s an opportunity to showcase your songwriting skills in front of a live audience. Here are some tips to help you get prepared for a songwriter’s night or writers round:

Choose your songs carefully: Choose songs that showcase your best writing and are appropriate for the audience and venue. Consider the theme and mood of the night and select songs that fit the vibe.
Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse your songs until you feel comfortable playing them without mistakes. This will help you feel more confident on stage and allow you to focus on connecting with the audience.
Prepare a set list: Plan out the order of your songs ahead of time, taking into account the tempo and energy level of each one. This will help you create a cohesive and engaging performance.
Connect with the audience: Introduce your songs and tell stories or anecdotes that help the audience connect with your music on a personal level. Engage with the audience and create a connection that will leave a lasting impression.
Dress appropriately: Dress appropriately for the venue and the audience. You want to look professional and put-together, but also comfortable and true to your personal style.
Bring backup: Consider bringing a backup musician or vocalist to enhance your performance and add variety to your set, but only if it’s appropriate for the type of writers night or writers round.
Be open to feedback: Listen to feedback from the audience and other songwriters, and use it to improve your writing and performance skills.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience of sharing your music with others. With preparation and a positive attitude, you can make the most of your songwriter’s night and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Songwriting

What are the top music publishing companies in Nashville?

May 17, 2023May 29, 2023
by 1840 Music Group

Nashville is a major hub for the music industry, and there are several music publishing companies located in the city. Here are some of the top music publishing companies in Nashville:

Sony/ATV Music Publishing: Sony/ATV is one of the largest music publishers in the world, with a catalog of over 3 million songs. Their Nashville office represents songwriters in country, Christian, and pop genres, and their clients include some of the biggest names in the music industry.
Warner Chappell Music: Warner Chappell is another major player in the music publishing industry, with a global network of offices that includes a presence in Nashville. Their Nashville office represents songwriters in country, Christian, and pop genres, and they have a roster of established hitmakers and up-and-coming talent.
Universal Music Publishing Group: Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) is the largest music publisher in the world, with offices in Nashville and other major music cities. UMPG represents songwriters in a variety of genres, including country, pop, rock, and hip-hop, and their clients include some of the biggest names in the industry.
Big Machine Music: Big Machine Music is an independent music publisher based in Nashville, with a focus on country and pop music. They represent a range of songwriters, from established hitmakers to emerging artists, and they have had success with songs that have topped the charts and won awards.
Kobalt Music: Kobalt Music is a global music services company that provides publishing, administration, and other services to songwriters and other rights holders. Their Nashville office focuses on country, Christian, and pop genres, and they work with a range of established and emerging talent.

These are just a few of the top music publishing companies in Nashville, and there are many others that offer valuable services to songwriters and other rights holders in the city.

Songwriting

What does a music publisher do?

May 15, 2023May 29, 2023
by 1840 Music Group

A music publisher is a company that works with songwriters, composers, and other music rights holders to promote their music, protect their intellectual property rights, and generate revenue streams from their creative works. The role of a music publisher can vary depending on the specific needs and goals of the artist or composer, but some of their primary responsibilities include:

Administration

Music publishers handle the administrative tasks associated with managing and licensing music, including registering copyrights, collecting royalties, and negotiating licensing deals with music users such as record labels, streaming services, and advertisers.

Promotion

Music publishers work to promote their clients’ music to various media outlets, music supervisors, and other industry professionals to increase exposure and generate licensing opportunities.

Creative services

Music publishers may offer creative services such as song pitching, songwriting collaboration, and production support to help their clients create high-quality music that is well-suited for licensing opportunities.

Copyright protection

Music publishers work to protect their clients’ intellectual property rights by monitoring and enforcing copyright infringement, pursuing legal action when necessary.

Financial management

Music publishers provide financial management services such as budgeting, accounting, and payment processing to ensure that their clients receive fair compensation for their work.

In exchange for their services, music publishers typically take a percentage of the revenue generated by their clients’ music, typically around 15-25% of the gross income. By working with a music publisher, artists and composers can benefit from their expertise and connections in the industry, allowing them to focus on their creative work while their publisher handles the business side of their career.

Songwriting

What is synch licensing?

May 12, 2023May 29, 2023
by 1840 Music Group

Synchronization (synch) licensing refers to the process of licensing music for use in visual media, such as film, TV shows, advertisements, video games, and other multimedia productions. Synch licensing is a way for musical artists and publishers to generate revenue from their music by granting permission for its use in various media.

When a music supervisor or production company is looking for music to use in their project, they typically reach out to a music licensing company or publisher to find the right songs. The licensing company or publisher will then negotiate the terms of the license, which may include payment for the use of the song and the duration of the license.

The payment for a synch license can vary widely depending on the use, the length of the license, and the popularity of the song. In some cases, a sync license may result in a large payout for the artist or publisher, particularly if the song is used in a major motion picture or commercial.

In addition to the financial benefits, synch licensing can also provide exposure for artists and help to increase their fan base. When a song is used in a popular TV show or movie, for example, it can help to introduce the artist to a new audience.

To maximize their chances of getting their music licensed, artists and publishers may work with music supervisors, create specific music libraries for different genres and moods, and pitch their music directly to production companies and media outlets. It’s important for artists and publishers to understand the legal and financial aspects of synch licensing, and to work with experienced professionals to ensure that their rights are protected and they receive fair compensation for their work.

Songwriting

How to network as a songwriter

May 10, 2023May 29, 2023
by 1840 Music Group

Networking is essential in the music industry, and it can help songwriters connect with other professionals who can help them advance their careers. Here are some tips for networking as a songwriter:

Attend industry events: Attend industry events, such as music conferences, songwriter showcases, and workshops. These events offer opportunities to meet other songwriters, publishers, producers, and music supervisors.
Join songwriter associations: Joining songwriter associations, such as NSAI, ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, can help you connect with other songwriters and access industry resources. Many associations offer networking events, workshops, and other opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
Use social media: Use social media to connect with other songwriters, music publishers, and industry professionals. Follow industry leaders on Twitter or Instagram, engage with their content, and join songwriter groups on Facebook or LinkedIn.
Collaborate with other songwriters: Collaboration is a great way to expand your network and gain new perspectives on your songwriting. Attend co-writing sessions or participate in online collaboration platforms like Songspace or SongwriterLink or our personal favorite, the We Should Write Sometime songwriter app.
Build relationships: Networking is not just about collecting business cards or making connections, it’s about building meaningful relationships with other professionals in the industry. Be genuine, show interest in other people’s work, and offer to help when you can.
Be prepared: When networking, be prepared to talk about your music and your goals as a songwriter. Have a business card, demo or link to your music ready to share with potential collaborators or industry professionals.

Overall, networking as a songwriter takes time and effort, but it’s a crucial part of building a successful career in the music industry. Attend events, join associations, use social media, collaborate with others, build relationships, and be prepared to talk about your music and goals. With persistence and dedication, you can build a strong network of contacts and advance your career as a songwriter.

Songwriting

Basic Songwriting Tips

May 8, 2023May 30, 2023
by 1840 Music Group

Writing a popular song is a complex process that requires a combination of creativity, skill, and a bit of luck. Here are some steps that you can follow to increase your chances of writing a popular song:

Choose a catchy melody: A great melody is the foundation of any good song. Choose a melody that is simple, memorable, and easy to sing along to.
Write a relatable and emotional lyrics: Your lyrics should tell a story that people can relate to. Use language that evokes emotions, and try to be as specific as possible to create a vivid picture in the listener’s mind.
Keep it simple: Pop songs typically have simple structures, with a verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus structure being the most common. Keep your lyrics and melody simple and easy to follow.
Experiment with different sounds and instruments: Try to create a unique sound that will help your song stand out from the crowd. Experiment with different sounds and instruments to create something fresh and interesting.
Collaborate with other songwriters and producers: Working with other songwriters and producers can bring new ideas and perspectives to your music. Collaborating with others can help you refine your ideas and create something truly special.
Make a memorable hook: A hook is a catchy phrase or melody that sticks in people’s minds. Try to create a memorable hook that will keep people coming back to your song.
Focus on production value: In today’s music industry, production value is essential. Make sure your song is professionally recorded, mixed, and mastered to give it the best chance of success.
Promote your song: Once your song is complete, make sure to promote it as much as possible. Share it on social media, send it to music blogs, and try to get it played on radio stations.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all formula for writing a popular song. It takes a combination of creativity, hard work, and a bit of luck to create something truly special. Keep experimenting, refining, and promoting your music, and you may just write the next big hit.

Category: <span>Songwriting</span>

Mechanical Royalty Rates

Calculating Mechanical Royalties

Distribution of Mechanical Royalties

Mechanical Royalties

Performance Royalties

Sync Royalties

Streaming Royalties

Print Royalties

What are Performing Rights Organizations?

How Do PROs Collect Royalties?

How Do PROs Pay Musical Artists?

Administration

Promotion

Creative services

Copyright protection

Financial management

Want to work with 1840 Music Group?