This step-by-step guide on "How To Start A Music Publishing Company" provides all the necessary information to get your company going in an easy-to-understand format.
Also, you must understand it has become rather common for Record Labels to offer recording contracts to artists only if they agree to sign a music publishing deal through the same company. Talk about bullying! Please Bookmark This Site
Still, there are some scenarios where it's wise to start a music publishing company. The first and obvious reason is because you want complete control of your songwriting destiny, because you don't want to give away your hard earned money, and you're willing to go the extra mile to pitch and place your songs with a viable recording artist. Another reason to learn how to start a music publishing company would be if you're already signed to record deal so you don't give away what got you the record deal in the first place. Lastly, the future of music, with the advent of internet sales and local band/acts promotion dictates it's a wise move to control all of your music and collect your own royalties. It's simply good business!
Here's the step-by-step plan on How To Start A Music Publishing Company:
1. Envision the type of music publishing company you want to have. Do you want to keep it small to exploit only your songs? Do you plan on eventually expanding after success, so you can sign other songwriters? You must start with a clear vision and establish short-term and long-term goals just like any other business.
2. Join a performance rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC) if you haven't already by contacting them and requesting information and an application. Develop a company name, image, and logo and ask your performance rights organization to check on their database to see if the name you chose for your music publishing company is available to you.
3. Make your company official by following your local and state guidelines in establishing yourself as a sole proprietor, corporation, LLC, etc.
4. Open a business checking account for your music publishing company by visiting your local bank branch.
5. Join the Harry Fox Agency, the biggest mechanical licensing, collection, and distribution agency for music publishers in the U.S.
6. Develop a website for your company and print out good-looking business cards which reflect your company brand/image. Times have changed, and without having a strong online presence on the web, you're almost dead in the water! Industry people will not take your company serious these days unless you have a music publishing company website, period! Imagine, while networking, you hand your business card and tell the person to check out your website for in-depth information about your company.
That's it. You're in business!
