The music industry is a road of heartache and complicated business decisions that often intertwine. Over the years, the industry has done everything it can to revolutionize the ways in which composers can earn monies based on their songs and recordings. Here is a list of the rights that music publishers have now as a result of years of legislation by ASCAP and BMI.

  • Licensing of performances for all broadcast media including television, radio and film
  • The ability to re-arrange the piece of music for sale with an arranger of their choosing
  • Translation of lyrics into any language for use in international contracts
  • Altering of the title and/or lyrics for reasons of marketability
  • Licensing of all recordings and recording outlets
  • Licensing of usage rights for use in movies
  • The printing of sheet music for sale as part of multi-media agreement
  • The ability to license the title to a film or television production company

There are two additional rights that may or may not harm the songwriter but at the same time may or may not protect them.

  • The ability to exercise all rights of the composition that may exist in the future
  • License to negotiate rights in current and future technologies

As always, have an experiences attorney in the music/entertainment field look over your contract before signing. While many companies use form contracts, other’s will try to put in addendums or changes that take money away from you and put it into their pockets.

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