Music Publishing

Any piece of recorded music consists of two copyrights: the song or composition and the actual recording. The former is typicalled administered or owned by a music pubisher and the latter by a record label.

To explain it another way, music publishers sign sonwriters and composers to their rosters, while record labels sign artists. 

Today's technology allows music publishers to license their music via:

• Physical formats (records, CDs, etc)
• Digitally (MP3s, streamed via internet)
• Music video/TV
• Advertisements
  
• Films
  
• Games
• Live concerts and shows

Task 4 

Watch the following video where various music publishers explain their role within the music industry and answer the questions below: 

• What is the main difference between music publishing and other jobs in the industry?
• What do publishers own?
• What is their role in relation to the artist? 
• What is a key factor to watch out for if you're looking for a publishing deal?

Extension or homework task

For more history of the development and impact of the publishing industry, and the key influence of London's Denmark Street as the historic centre of the UK music publishing industry, visit ministryofrock.co.uk and type 'Denmark Street' in the search box.

• Where did the name Tin Pan Alley come from?
• When did Denmark Street first become associated with the music business?
• What was 'the big change'?
• What happens in Denmark Street now?