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.
How to clear samples. Avoid legal strikes and royalty loss by mastering the step-by-step process of securing sample permissions.
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.
A co-publishing deal splits the publisher's share of your songwriting income with a music publisher in exchange for an advance, administration, and creative services. This guide explains how co-pub deals work, what you keep and what you give up, and how to decide if one is right for you.
A complete guide to music publishing deals, royalty splits, songwriter rights, and how publishing income works for artists and creators.
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.
dig dis! is a German music distributor founded in 2006, focused on labels rather than individual artists. Offers free registration with three different plans available as monthly or yearly subscriptions. Has direct contracts with iTunes, Apple Music, Beatport, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, Amazon, Traxsource, Deezer, Pandora, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and more. Provides the free digdis.app for label management with tools for release creation, promotion campaigns, sales analytics, financial statements, real-time chart tracking, revenue splits, and smart links. ISRC codes cost 0.75 EUR each, EAN/UPC codes cost 1.00 EUR each. Gives 365 days of full control. WARNING: charges a 30 EUR fee per release if you leave their service. Best for labels that want a dedicated label-focused distributor with integrated management tools.
Last Play Distro is an India-based music distribution platform founded by Amit Malsar, operating under the laws of India with courts located in Rajasthan. Offers three tiers: Free (60% royalties, 3 releases per month), Artist ($9.99/month, 85% royalties, unlimited releases), and Label ($29.99/month, 95% royalties, 5 artists). Distributes to 150+ platforms. No contracts, no lock-ins, no credit card required to start. Transparent royalty splits with dashboard reporting. Best for artists who want to start free and upgrade as they grow.
Soundrop is a US-based digital music distributor specializing in cover song licensing and royalty splits. Charges $4.99 per track (one-time) with a 15% commission on revenue. No annual fees or subscriptions. Includes mechanical licensing for cover songs at no additional cost. Best for artists who release cover songs and want built-in licensing and collaborator splitting.
