Before building anything, know the asset you're building around. Every song you write and record gives you TWO completely separate things that can be owned, licensed, and monetized independently.
The © is the recipe. The ℗ is one specific dish made from that recipe. The recipe owner gets paid every time someone makes a dish — or even describes how to make it.
| Same $30,000 Sync Deal | Major-Label Artist | YOU (Independent) |
|---|---|---|
| Publishing sync fee ($15,000) | Artist | YOU |
| Master use fee ($15,000) | Label | YOU |
| Your total | $15,000 | $30,000 |
Copyright is legally known as a "bundle of rights" — the moment you write a song, you automatically own 6 exclusive rights, bundled together like a stack of tickets. Anyone who wants to use your music needs the correct ticket from your bundle.
| Right | What It Is | Examples | Collected By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · Reproduction | Making copies of your song | Streaming, downloads, CDs, cover songs | HFA, The MLC, Music Reports |
| 2 · Distribution | Getting your song to the public | Putting it on Spotify, selling downloads | Your distributor |
| 3 · Public Performance | Your song played where the public can hear it | Radio, streaming, restaurants, live shows | Your PRO (ASCAP / BMI / SESAC) |
| 4 · Public Display | Displaying your lyrics publicly | Lyric sites, music videos, merchandise | LyricFind / Musixmatch |
| 5 · Derivative Works | Creating a new work based on yours | Remixes, samples, arrangements | You — direct negotiation |
| 6 · Digital Performance | Non-interactive digital broadcasting | Pandora, SiriusXM, internet radio | PRO (composition) + SoundExchange (recording) |
When your song plays on Spotify ONE TIME, you can earn from FOUR sources:
This workbook installs all four meters.
Check off each item as you complete it.