Music Publishing Companies

The primary purpose of music publishing companies is to expose and market a specific song or composition. If you are a song writer aiming to have your music aired and yet you are not known, you can go to major music publishing companies who will look for a suitable individual or group who will sing the song for you. The singer or singers specifically chosen are those who have already made their mark in the music industry, hence making the song salable.

If you check the history of music publishers, they usually deal with printed music. Those who still practice the same are now called music print publishing companies. Today, the work of music publishing companies has hugely differed from the past. They now serve as representatives to various artists. Most companies also take care of the copyright and licensing of the creations of their signed artists. They also take care of how their music catalogue is promoted, something that can be an expense and time consuming activity

Music publishing companies are split into two: the major music publisher and the independent music publisher. However, there are many companies forming an in-between status – they serve both independent artists and artists signed under a major label. Here are a few examples of music publishing companies based in the United Kingdom:

•    P&P International Songs Ltd. – a mid-tier music publishing company whose headquarters is in Hammersmith, West London;

•    Caritas music Publishing – this music publishing company accepts music of all types and genres. It was initially set up in Edinburgh, Scotland;

•    De capo Music – accepts classical and contemporary music creations;

•    EMI Music Publishing – a major music publishing company that caters to major label artists;

•    Song Shack – an online publishing company;

•    Sibelius – another internet-based company specializing on publishing sheet music online

But before signing up for a contract with any music publishing companies, it is best that you know and understand the contract that you are signing. Although some companies may educate you, not all would explain the contract in full detail. It is your responsibility to understand it. When reading a contract look for details about the following:

•    your rights and the company’s rights,
•    your obligations and responsibilities as an artist and
•    the monetary divisions or royalties

Some contracts dictate how you could sell your rights in various forms. For example, you can sell your blanket rights. Blanket rights means you have discretion on who performs your song and when. If you sell it to the music publishing company, this choice will rest upon their shoulders. You should also learn about mechanical licensing which deals with the reproduction of the song and album, and print licensing which involves the reproduction of your printed music files.

Since you are entering a business, it is essential that you know if you will have a profit sharing or the company will pay you in advance. If you are paid in advance, whatever the amount of profit your song earns, you will only get the amount of advance you have agreed upon. This can be beneficial if you have little confidence about the success of your music, although you won’t be able to get more money once your song has earned more than you expected.

If you know little about understanding contracts, it would be best to seek legal advice.