In music copyright, the publisher is the owner or administrator of the song copyright—not the sound recording. This includes the melody, harmony, and lyrics. If a songwriter hasn’t signed a publishing deal, they are considered their own publisher. This article clarifies what a publisher is, what it isn’t, and how it relates to performance rights organizations (PROs).

What's a publisher?

• A publisher owns or administers the copyright to the composition (the song itself).
  • This includes the melody, harmony, and lyrics.
• If a songwriter has never signed away their publishing rights, they are their own publisher.
• Don’t confuse this with:
  • A sheet music publisher
  • A CD manufacturer
  • In music, “publisher” refers specifically to the copyright owner or administrator of the song.

What isn't a publisher?

• • ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, SOCAN, Harry Fox are not publishers — these are Performance Rights Organizations (PROs).
  • PROs collect and distribute broadcast royalties for songwriters when music is played on radio, TV, and other public platforms.
  • You do not need to specify whether a song is ASCAP or BMI when submitting track information to CD Baby.

Things to note

• The sound recording copyright is separate from the song copyright.
• CD Baby collects publishing information for original compositions to help register works with PROs and other collection societies.
• If you’re unsure whether a songwriter has a publisher, it’s safest to assume they are their own publisher unless a deal has been signed.