Missing royalties are more common than most artists realize. This guide explains why payments go wrong, how to audit your royalty statements, and the exact steps to dispute underpayments with distributors, PROs, and publishers.
A music advance is not a loan, but it is not free money either. This guide explains how advances work, what recoupment means, the difference between label and publishing advances, and how to think about whether an advance makes sense for your career.
Music licensing agreements determine how your music gets used, for how long, in which territories, and for how much. This guide covers every major license type, the terms that matter most, and the red flags to spot before signing.
Most musicians ignore their finances until tax season hits. This guide covers income tracking, deductible expenses, quarterly taxes, bookkeeping basics, and when to hire an accountant.
Understanding music copyright is essential for every artist. This guide covers what copyright protects, how registration works, fair use, sampling rules, and how to enforce your rights.
Compare sync licensing companies and music libraries side by side. Learn the differences in exclusivity, income potential, control, and acceptance to decide which path - or combination - is best for getting your music into film, TV, and ads.
A complete guide to landing your first sync license placement in film, TV, commercials, or video games. Covers catalog preparation, pitching tactics, contract terms, and how to work with sync licensing companies.
Everything independent artists need to know about mechanical royalties in 2026. Learn what they are, how rates work, the role of the MLC and Harry Fox Agency, and step-by-step instructions to collect every penny.
Neighboring rights pay performers and recording owners when music is played on radio, TV, and in public venues internationally. Learn what they are, where they apply, who qualifies, and how to start collecting.
Learn what SoundExchange collects, who qualifies, and how to register to start collecting your digital performance royalties from internet radio, satellite radio, and non-interactive streaming services.
Understand how music publishing works, the difference between mechanical and performance royalties, types of publishing deals, and how to collect every penny you are owed as a songwriter. Includes real numbers and actionable registration steps.
What artists actually earn from platinum records, covering streaming royalties, major label recoupment, and the power of independent ownership.
A hit song with three co-writers and a producer who did not get a split sheet signed has ended more friendships than any argument about creative direction. Here is the exact framework for handling royalty splits correctly before, during, and after a session.
Calculate royalties for multiple tracks across different territories.
Calculate your earnings across Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and 7+ more platforms.
Find out how many streams you need to hit your income goals.
UnitedMasters is a US-based digital music distributor founded in 2018 by Steve Stoute. Offers a free tier (10% commission), a $19.99/year Debut+ plan (100% royalties), and a $59.99/year Select plan with exclusive brand and sync deal access. Differentiates through brand partnership pipeline connecting artists to the NBA, NFL, and consumer brands. Artists keep ownership of masters on every tier.
Catapult Distribution is a US-based music distributor founded in 1997, making it one of the longest-running digital distributors in the industry with nearly 30 years of operation. Uses a one-time fee model: $9 per single, $25 per album (up to 100 tracks), and $20 per ringtone. Artists keep 91% of royalties (9% commission) with no annual fees, no subscriptions, and music stays live forever. Distributes to 150+ stores across 250+ countries. Spotify Platinum Preferred Partner. YouTube Content ID available with 75% to artist (25% commission). Free UPC and ISRC codes. Best for artists who want permanent distribution without recurring fees.
EmuBands is a Scottish music distributor founded in 2005 and based in Glasgow. Offers a hybrid model with pay-per-release (one-time fee, music stays live forever) or Premium subscription ($120/year, unlimited releases). 100% royalties on all plans. Spotify Platinum Preferred Partner with all operations handled in-house. Human-led support with no automation for core operations. 20 years independent. No payout minimum threshold. Daily royalty payouts on Premium. Best for artists who want permanent catalog protection and human support.
