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Music publishing, explained.
Straightforward writing on the publishing business details independent songwriters are rarely told.
Cover Song Royalties: Who Actually Gets Paid
Cover song royalties go to the original writer, not to you. What the compulsory license buys, what it refuses you, and the 2026 statutory rate.
P Line and C Line in Music, Explained
The P line and C line in music mark two different copyrights: the recording and the song. What each claims, and why neither one gets you paid.
Controlled Composition Clause: What It Costs
A controlled composition clause cuts your mechanical rate to 75%. In 2026 that is a reduced penny rate, not the statutory rate most explainers quote.
Publisher's Share vs Writer's Share, Explained
Publisher's share vs writer's share: ASCAP makes you open a publisher account to collect the second half. BMI can pay it to you. The MLC ignores the split.
What Is a Performance Royalty? A Plain-English Breakdown
A performance royalty pays songwriters when a song is performed publicly — played on radio, streamed, or performed live.
CMO vs PRO: What's the Difference?
A PRO is one kind of CMO. What each collects, why the US splits the job across three bodies, and which societies actually owe you money.
Unclaimed Music Royalties: Where the Money Goes
Unregistered royalties don't wait for you forever. Where the money goes, how long you have, and what the law says happens to it.
How to Read a Songwriter Splits Agreement
What a split sheet has to contain, why writer and publisher shares are counted separately, and the mistakes that stall payment.
Beat Producer Publishing Splits: Who Owns What
A beat is a composition. What that means for producer splits, why a lease isn't a split sheet, and how to register the work correctly.
ASCAP vs BMI vs SESAC vs GMR: Which PRO Do You Pick?
Four US performing rights organizations, but only two you can actually join. Costs, payout timing, and how to choose.
What Is Publishing Administration? A Plain-English Guide
Publishing administration is the back-office work of registering and collecting publishing royalties. How it differs from a deal, self-admin, and a PRO.
What Is a Mechanical Royalty? A Plain-English Breakdown
Mechanical royalties pay songwriters when a song is reproduced — streamed, downloaded, or pressed.
Spotify Credits for Songwriters: How to Fix Yours
Spotify Credits shows writers, producers, and performers on every track. Where the data comes from, how to fix yours, and why it matters for royalties.
MLC vs HFA: Which One Does What for Songwriters?
The MLC and HFA both collect mechanical royalties for songwriters, but only one is automatic for US streaming.
ISWC vs ISRC: What's the Difference, and Do You Need Both?
ISWC identifies a song. ISRC identifies a recording. One song can have many ISRCs but only one ISWC.
How Much Does Spotify Pay Per Stream in 2026?
About $0.0017 per US premium stream in 2026 — the breakdown by tier, country, and who gets the money.
Do I Need a Music Publisher? An Honest Answer
Usually not — most indie songwriters need a publishing administrator instead.
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