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.
Comments
0 comments
Article is closed for comments.