A finished song is the start of its life, not the end. This chapter is a bridge between the creative work of this module and the business of music, which the Music Business module covers in depth.
Agree the splits
If anyone else contributed to writing the song - melody, lyrics, chords, a distinctive production element - agree the songwriting splits now, in writing, while everyone remembers who did what. A simple split sheet with each writer's name, share, PRO and publisher (if any), signed by all, prevents most disputes.
Register the song
- Copyright exists automatically in the UK, the US and most countries as soon as a song is recorded or written down. Keeping dated drafts and project files is useful evidence.
- Register with a performing rights organisation - PRS for Music in the UK; ASCAP, BMI or SESAC in the US; or your local equivalent - so you are paid when the song is played publicly, broadcast or streamed.
- Register mechanical rights - through MCPS in the UK, or The MLC in the US for streaming mechanicals - or through a publisher or publishing administrator.
Release, pitch, or both
- Release it yourself through a distributor that puts your music on streaming services and stores.
- Pitch it to artists, labels, publishers or music supervisors if it is written for someone else's voice or for sync.
- Collaborate - send it to vocalists, producers and writers you want to work with.
Keep writing
The best way to write a great song is to write a lot of songs. Many professional writers finish several songs a week. Most will never be released; each one makes the next better.
Where the Academy goes from here
- Songwriting: Topline - deeper lyric and melody craft.
- Vox Pro - recording, editing and mixing vocals.
- Music Business - copyright, publishing, contracts, labels, licensing and marketing.
- Mastering and distribution - getting the record finished and out into the world.
Do this now
- Fill in a split sheet for a song you have written with someone else - or for one you wrote alone.
- Check whether you are registered with a PRO. If not, find out what joining involves in your country.
- Pick one song and decide: release it, pitch it, or collaborate on it. Then take the first step.