Whether this is your first song or you’ve been doing this for a while. Here you are! As exciting as it is to share your music with the world, it’s crucial to set yourself up for success by approaching your career with a strong legal and business foundation. Let me share my thoughts into some essential steps every artist should take:
Understanding Copyrights: What You Own
When you create music, you’re generating two separate copyrights:
- Publishing Rights: Protects the music and lyrics.
- Sound Recording Rights: Covers the actual recording of your performance.
These rights can be owned by different parties, which is why it’s essential to have written contracts with anyone you collaborate with. Clearly outline who owns what and what each party can do with the work. Many new artists overlook this step, only to face disputes down the road. Don’t let that happen to you.
Register Your Work for Legal Protection
One of the most important steps you can take is registering your song with the U.S. Copyright Office. Why? Because it provides powerful legal protections, such as:
- The ability to sue for copyright infringement.
- The right to recover attorneys’ fees and statutory damages.
- Presumption of ownership in legal disputes, especially if the work is registered before infringement occurs or within five years of publication.
This small investment can save you from significant headaches and losses in the future.
Don’t Forget About Trademarks
If you’re building a brand around your music—whether it’s a band name, logo, or unique artist identity—consider registering a trademark. This protects your brand from unauthorized use and ensures you’re the only one who can use your name or logo in connection with your music.
Invest in Quality
Your music deserves to compete on a professional level, so invest in the best production, mixing, and mastering you can afford. High-quality work not only boosts your credibility but also helps your song stand out in a crowded market.
Plan Your Promotion
Success in the music industry doesn’t just come from releasing great songs—it’s about reaching your audience effectively. Develop a promotion plan that includes:
- Regular content releases.
- Social media campaigns.
- Facebook conversion ads and other digital marketing efforts.
- See my post about the Waterfall Approach release method du jour.
Make sure to secure proper licenses for any third-party content (e.g., beats, images, or stock footage) used in your promotions to avoid copyright disputes.
Don’t just upload your song to DSPs (digital streaming platforms) and hope for the best. A well-executed plan will give your song the visibility it needs to succeed.
Track Your Royalties
Make sure you’re registered with the appropriate royalty collection organizations. These include:
- ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC for performance royalties.
- SoundExchange for digital performance royalties.
- Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) for mechanical royalties from digital platforms.
This ensures you’re getting paid for every stream, play, and usage of your work.
Final Thoughts
By taking these steps, you’re setting yourself up for a sustainable and successful music career. At Creative Rights Law, we’re here to help artists like you navigate the complexities of copyright, trademarks, contracts, and career planning. Don’t let legal or business missteps hold you back from achieving your dreams. If you’re taking it seriously, then let’s take it seriously together.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult with an entertainment attorney.
Need guidance on protecting your music and building your career? Contact us at Creative Rights Law to ensure your art and your future are secure.