#177: Music Publishing 101 | A Few Things To Know

In this episode of the Career Musician Podcast, Nomad dives deep into the significance of protecting intellectual property in the music industry. Nomad shares his personal experiences and insights on copyright, trademark, and the intricacies of publishing and licensing music. Through an interesting analogy involving a unique instrument found at Goodwill, Nomad highlights the importance of owning your creative work. The episode also includes useful advice on performance rights organizations (PROs) and the steps needed to ensure you receive royalties for your music. Key Topics Discussed: Intellectual Property in Music: Explanation of what constitutes intellectual property in the music industry. Importance of copyrighting and trademarking your creative works. Unique Instrument Analogy: Story about a distinctive cigar box instrument and its connection to proprietary creation. Comparisons between tangible creations and intangible music works. Ensuring Proper Ownership: The critical need for proper documentation and registration with PROs like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Nomad's own experience with maintaining ownership of his publishing rights. Collaborations and Royalties: Discussion on collaborations with music industry majors and the potential reach they offer. Importance of securing your share of publishing and writers' royalties. Resources and Expert Advice: Introduction to Jesse Alvarez and Cinque Musica as valuable resources for mastering publishing and licensing. Links to previous episodes with expert insights and guidance. Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to engage with the episode by sharing it with fellow musicians. Nomad invites engagement on social media platforms and emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community of career musicians. Contact Information: Email: [e-mail] Website: The Career Musician Reach out for more personalized insights and questions. End of Episode Note: Nomad reiterates his commitment to supporting musicians in creating sustainable careers. Thank you for listening and being part of the Career Musician community. Nomad’s episodes focus on empowering musicians by sharing both the challenges and strategies for a rewarding career in music. Enjoy this informative episode and ensure your music is protected and valued! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices