The End is Only the Beginning...

 

Here we are at the end of our journey!

Well, sorta... almost. There are a few things left to do... assuming you want to.

This is the last I'll harp on the subject, and it's at this point where if you're serious, or just interested, you move into the realm of copyright and representation, so far as your establishment as a composer, writer, owner of salable materials, etc. It's here you encounter entities such as the copyright office, PROs (Performance Rights Organizations) such as ASCAP/BMI, which collect payments when your music is used publicly, and  SoundExchange, which collects digital performance royalties. There are also sync licenses, which are required if you want your music used in movies, TV, commercials, and games

Copyright

This is registering your songs with the government, allowing you the means of seeking redress in the courts if the need should arise. With most people it won't because the only time courts get involved is when big money is involved, otherwise it's not worth the cost of lawyers and the rest. I registered my works because I wanted there to be a permanent record of my songs. That way if someone wanted to hear them down the road, there'd be a place to find them.

ASCAP, BMI, SoundExchange

These organizations are tasked with making sure you get paid for your songs if you put them out into the public market and they are performed. ASCAP and BMI are for songwriters/composers whose works are used, SoundExchange is the collection of royalties from digital works, and who collects is based on who owns the rights to those songs and performances. If it's just you, it's not too complicated. Remember, I said not too...

Metadata

Metadata is all the information about the songs, from who wrote it, who owns it (this comes up when labels are involved), who performed on the recording and played what, who produced the recording, where it was recorded, how long it is, along with obvious things like title, performer name, date recorded, etc. This is incredibly important of you have visions of hearing it as a sync. It's also very important in dealing with PROs and SoundExchange. And don't think that just because whoever you distribute with helps out that everything gets out correctly. I've spent many delightful days cleaning up errors with my accounts. I have spreadsheets for all that which I highly recommend you have as well. That's life.

But wait, There's More!

Last, but not least, is how much time, energy, and most importantly, money you going to spent to let the world know about your great new release. There's a whole wide world out there ready, willing, and able to help you with this... for a small fee. I'll leave that to you. Just be careful about your expectations and ROI (return on investment).

That's some of it—there's always more. Hopefully, this helps a little.

©2022 David William Pearce