Music Publishing

Are you seeking to bring your music to a wider audience? We at Heartsong can help you achieve this goal. Our publishing division is actively seeking talented songwriters. We do not accept unsolicited material so you must contact our office for instructions on how to submit recordings.

Heartsong Studios
919.363.5643

From the NMPA Web Site (edited):
How important a role does the music publisher play in the music industry of today? A crucial one. Music publishers are responsible for actively promoting a songwriter's talents; pitching songs to artists and producers; securing synchronization deals for film or TV usages; and collecting worldwide publishing royalties on the songwriter's behalf. A music publisher in essence takes care of a songwriter's music business, allowing the music creator to focus on what he does best: creating. The successful songwriter can generate income through three main types of royalties: mechanical, performance, and synchronization.

The National Music Publisher's Association

A mechanical royalty is earned for any "phonorecord" (including CDs, tapes, vinyl, and digital downloads) that is manufactured and distributed with a copyrighted song. A performance royalty is paid when a song is performed live in public; today it also includes when a song has been broadcast on radio, on TV, in a film, or over the Internet. A synchronization royalty is paid when the song is synchronized with visual media, like television programs, commercials, and films.

The music publisher collects the mechanical and synchronization royalty income and pays the songwriter the royalties due. Performance royalties (radio, television, jukebox, etc.) are collected by a performing rights organization (BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC being the principle organizations in the U.S.). The performance rights organizations disburse the songwriter's and publisher's share of that income.

Once an act is signed by a label, promotion expenses are charged to the artist. Artists make most of their money by performing and do well on CD sales with a big hit. Airplay revenue is shared with the publisher.