What Is Music Publishing?

At its core, music publishing refers to the management, promotion, and monetization of the "composition"—the melody, lyrics, and chords that make up a song. Think of it as the business side of music creation, ensuring that creators are fairly compensated when their compositions are used.

Distinction Between Compositions and Masters:

• Composition: The underlying musical work, like the melody or lyrics. This is where publishing comes in.
• Master: The actual sound recording, often distributed through platforms like Spotify or YouTube.

Why Should AI Music Creators Care?

Even if you’re not a traditional musician, understanding music publishing can help you:

• Protect Your Rights: Ensure you’re credited and compensated for your compositions.
• Monetize Your Work: Earn royalties from cover versions, sync placements, or other uses of your compositions.
• Navigate Legal Risks: Avoid pitfalls when licensing or distributing AI-generated music, particularly in gray areas like copyright and ownership.

How to Collect Publishing Royalties

To collect royalties from your compositions, you need to register with Performance Rights Organizations (PROs). In the U.S., these include:

• BMI
• ASCAP
• SESAC

When registering your songs, you’ll encounter terms like publisher's share and writer's share. As the sole creator, you’re entitled to collect both.

Should You Set Up a Publishing Company?

If you’re serious about building a career in music, setting up a publishing company is worth considering. This is often done as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), which provides personal liability protection.

Key benefits of an LLC for AI creators:

• Protects your personal assets.
• Establishes credibility for your brand.
• Simplifies contracts and copyright registrations.

Key Legal Considerations for AI Music Creators

• Copyright Ownership: AI-generated music may have restrictions based on the tool’s terms of use. Always review these carefully.
• Licensing Your Work: Ensure you have the necessary rights to distribute, license, or sell your AI-generated compositions.
• Registering Copyrights: Even AI-generated compositions can often be copyrighted, provided they meet originality requirements.

Real-World Applications for AI Music Creators

• Cover Songs: Monetize your compositions by licensing them for covers.
• Sync Opportunities: AI-generated soundtracks can be licensed for films, ads, or games.
• Catalog Sales: Over time, your compositions can become valuable assets that you can sell or license.

Your Next Step

If you’re an AI music creator ready to unlock your potential, check out my new book, From Text to Track: The Complete Guide to Creating, Monetizing, and Sustaining Your AI Music Career. It’s packed with actionable strategies to help you build a successful AI music career. Click the link to order your copy today!