Your Royalties?

Many artists have a dream of becoming the next International Star like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. Their record sales are immeasurable and their talents are numerous. Did I mention they are RICH? “Of course,” you may say, “and they have a major record label backing them with millions of dollars.” That’s a great point, but their money is also made from being an artist and songwriter. Therefore, they receive ROYALTY CHECKS.

I don’t know about you, but have you witnessed the epidemic of struggling independent artists? One answer to this problem is simple: Independent artists lack the understanding of copyright. One day I asked an indie artist,  “Are you registered with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC?” The response I received was, “What is that?” After a long blank stare, I began to explain that these organizations are performing rights groups who are responsible for making sure you are paid when your music is played on the radio, sold in stores, appear in movies, or performed. For instance, when you get in the elevator at work and your favorite song plays, that artist receives a royalty payment from the music in the elevator.

An artist who does NOT copyright their music CANNOT receive a royalty check. Many people are unaware that once a song is placed on paper, it is copyrighted. However, it is advised that you register the material to assure that you are the owner. An artist must know the two types of copyrights. When you see the © symbol, that stands for a music composition copyright. If the symbol (p) is shown, that symbolizes a sound recording copyright. For example, if you wrote a song titled “A Struggling Artist” and recorded it, you are the owner of the music composition and sound recording.

Do you want to make money? Educate yourselves on the copyright laws and organizations that protect who you are as an artist. Get out of the norm and write songs to shop around to major artists and record labels that could launch your career. Before you do this, MAKE SURE YOU COPYRIGHT YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY!