Music Rights: Artists Are You Leaving Money on the Table with YOUR MUSIC?

As an artist, you pour your heart and soul into your music. But did you know there’s a whole world of rights associated with your songs that could be earning you money? If you’re not fully aware of your music rights, you might be leaving significant income on the table.

Let’s dive into the essential rights you have as a songwriter or composer and how you can make sure you’re getting paid for every stream, performance, and sync.

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The 6 Basic Music Rights to Your Song (Music Copyright)

Every song comes with a bundle of six rights under copyright law. These rights are your key to protecting and monetizing your work. Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. Reproduction Right

   
   

   This gives you control over any copies of your song, whether physical (like CDs or vinyl) or digital (like MP3s or streams). No one can reproduce your song without your permission—and if they do, you’re owed royalties!

   
   

2. Distribution Right

   
   

   You hold the power to distribute your music, including selling, leasing, or lending it out. Whether your song is sold online or in a store, your distribution right ensures you control where it goes.

   
   

3. Public Performance Right

   
   

   Every time your song is played in public—whether on the radio, at a concert, or through streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music—you are entitled to performance royalties. This right ensures you get paid whenever your music is publicly performed or broadcasted.

   
   

4. Public Display Right

   
   

   While not as commonly used, this right protects the public display of your song’s lyrics or sheet music. It’s especially relevant for visual performances like karaoke or lyric videos.

   
   

5. Derivative Works Right

   
   

   If someone wants to remix, translate, or adapt your song, they need your permission. You have the right to control how others can alter or create new works from your original song.

   
   

6. Digital Transmission Right

   
   

   In today’s streaming-heavy world, this right is vital. It covers any digital transmission of your song, including online streams, ensuring you get paid every time your music is played online.

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BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!

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Additional Rights You Shouldn’t Overlook

Beyond these six core rights, there are other valuable rights that could further increase your income, especially in the digital age. Here are a few you should be aware of:

1. Moral Rights

   
   

   In some countries (especially in Europe), creators have moral rights, which include:

   • Right of Attribution: The right to always be credited as the song’s creator.

   • Right of Integrity: The right to prevent any modifications that could damage your reputation.

     
     

2. Neighboring Rights

   
   

   These rights apply to performers and producers of a recording, allowing them to earn royalties from the use of their performance. If you perform on a track, or produce it, these rights help you get paid.

   • Performer’s Rights: Earn royalties when your performance (recorded on the track) is used.

   • Producer’s Rights: Collect royalties as the producer of the sound recording.

     
     

3. Mechanical Rights

   
   

   Whenever your music is reproduced—whether physically or digitally—you’re owed mechanical royalties. These come into play when your music is pressed on CDs, downloaded, or streamed online.

   
   

4. Synchronization Rights (Sync Rights)

   
   

   This is where things can get really exciting. Sync licensing involves placing your music in films, TV shows, commercials, and video games. Traditionally, Sync rights allow you to earn big upfront fees for letting your song appear in visual media. In most cases, this is for popular music more often performed by mainstream artists. At Audio Done Right, we believe in placing less popular music and popularizing it via films. Over 98% of The artists we've synced have seen an increase in their Shazam numbers as well as an increase in their overall streams. Plus, you’ll continue to earn performance royalties every time that content airs!

   
   

5. Streaming Rights

   
   

   Streaming platforms have taken over the music industry, and with that comes complex royalty payments. These include both performance and mechanical royalties, ensuring you’re paid every time your song is streamed online.

How to Ensure You’re Getting All Your Royalties

Now that you know about the various rights tied to your music, it’s important to take steps to secure your earnings:

• Register with a PRO (Performing Rights Organization): Make sure you’re registered with a PRO like ASCAP, BMI, or SOCAN so that you can collect performance royalties.

• Track Your Songs: Use tools that help you monitor where and when your music is played, streamed, or used in media.

• Sign Up with Mechanical Rights Collectors: Organizations like the Harry Fox Agency or CMRRA ensure you’re getting your mechanical royalties.

• Pursue Sync Licensing Opportunities: Sync licensing is a powerful way to get paid and continually receive ongoing royalties. Consider working with sync agents or companies like Audio Done Right that offer guaranteed sync placements.

Are You Maximizing Your Music’s Potential?

Don’t let your hard work go unrewarded! Understanding the rights tied to your music allows you to fully capitalize on your creations. Whether through performance royalties, sync licensing, or mechanical royalties, your music can continue earning long after it’s released.

At Audio Done Right, we help artists take control of their music rights by offering guaranteed sync placements, backend royalties, and exclusive writing opportunities for films. Whether you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned pro, make sure you’re not leaving money on the table. Subscribe to our mailing list or become an ADR VIP member!