Songwriters: Setting Yourself Up For SuccessSongtrust Webinar | April 2018

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Elizabeth McBride | Publishing Specialist

Elizabeth is Songtrust's in-house Publishing Specialist expert with a degree in Music Industry Studies from Loyola University, New Orleans. The publishing world is her centrifuge for understanding how songs get from creation to manufactured money in the pocket.

Adam Schwartz | Client Success

Adam is a life-long music lover from Chicago, Illinois. He is passionate about strengthening the relationship Songtrust has with our clients and helping them learn about the music publishing service we provide.

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Today’s Agenda

We hope you’ll take away:

● The fundamentals to consider when finishing your creative process

● Guidance on organizing your foundation for ultimate success as you grow

● Advice on publishing to maximize your royalty collection

● Tips on how to best get the word out about your songs

● Packet of Success

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Creative Process

Ultimately the most important part of the process is what you do as your songwriting is coming to an end.

● Finishing your song

● Split Sheets

● Covers and Sampling

● Lyric Sheets

● Basic Organization

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Split Sheets

The agreement between you and the co-writers about who will receive what share of future royalties.

Typical Example:100% Publishers Share + 100% Writers Share

Multi-Writer Example:50% Writer #1 share + 50% Writer #2 share

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Covers & Sampling

Despite its deep roots in musical tradition, covering and sampling other artists’ work is a sticky topic. We encourage you to be inspired by other artists and create songs from that inspiration, just do it legally.

● They both describe the use of pre-existing material - one involving intellectual

use and the other, literal use

● Know the legal ramifications of both, as each situation differs

● For Covers: you need to obtain a mechanical license

● For Samples: you need two different licenses - one for the master recording

and the other, for usage of the composition from the publisher/songwriter

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Lyric Sheets

An important organizational tool, if your song has lyrics, for future sharing with a label or music supervisor.

● Neatly, typed

● Includes all writer(s) contact information

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Organization

Being organized is key to saving time (& money!) in the future.

● Have records of all possible important information about your songs

● Keep the information for yourself as historical data

● Use an Electronic Press Kit as an outline!

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Building Your Foundation

Crafting a solid foundation, whether that’s forming a team to work with or having general knowledge of music business is key to being successful.

● Distribution

● Publishing

● Mentors

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Distribution

Distribution is the avenue in which you share your songs with the world.

● Utilize a company like CD Baby or Distrokid

● Choose a DIY approach

● Don’t forget labels and creatives services for sync & licensing placements

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Publishing

A publisher registers and collects your royalties based on ownership of the composition/copyright. There are several options to choose from.

● Know your PROs (aka Performance Rights Organizations)

● Traditional Publishing vs Publishing Administration

● Understand the difference between Mechanical and Performance Royalties

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Songtrust vs Traditional Publishing

RoyaltiesPerformance Royalties

When your song is publicly performed

● Interactive Radio (ex. Pandora)

● Restaurant or bar

● Streaming services (ex. Spotify,

Apple Music, etc)

Mechanical Royalties

When your song is streamed or physically reproduced

● CD or vinyl

● Streamed “on demand” services

(ex. Spotify)

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Mentors

An often overlooked asset is fellow musicians. They can give you insight into their experience to help you make better decisions going forward.

● Ask if you can take them to coffee to hear their story

● Share your songs for feedback

● Support their craft, and they’ll support you

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Getting The Word Out

You can’t rely on just distribution alone to get the word out about your songs, you have to put in the work as well. Having general knowledge about how to capitalize on your songs is important.

● Sharing Your Music

● Gigs/Setlists

● Monetizing and Marketing

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Sharing Your Music

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Live Performances

If you fancy yourself a performing artist, getting facetime in front of your fans and the public is vital. Submitting those setlists, the written account of which songs you played, is key to earning performance royalties.

● Know the process of setlist submission for US vs

internationally

● Keep a record of your setlists as best practice

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Monetizing

There are so many ways you can monetize your songs and earn royalties. Don’t leave money on the table, learn all the ways!

● Music Videos

● Sync Placements

● Karaoke

● Ringtones

● And More!

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Songwriters

We understand writing music is important to you and, for many, can command their full attention. While we fully support that, it’s also important for you to know when you need a break and when to support your fellow songwriters.

● How to avoid burnout and writer’s block

● Be leaders and advocates in the music community

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

150,000 + Songwriters15,000+ Publishers

1,000,000+ Copyrights

Q & A

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust

Thank You!

#SongwriterSuccess | @songtrust