Exploring the Publishing Services Offered by DistroKid: What You Need to Know
DistroKid is a popular music distribution service that helps independent musicians get their music out to the world. In addition to distribution, DistroKid offers a range of publishing services to help artists protect their music and collect royalties. If you’re a musician looking to get your music out there, here’s what you need to know about the publishing services offered by DistroKid.
1. Music Publishing Basics
Music publishing is the business of protecting and monetizing musical compositions. When you write a song, you own the copyright to that composition. Music publishing companies help you manage that copyright and ensure that you get paid when your music is used.
With DistroKid’s publishing services, you can register your songs with performance rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. These organizations collect royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers when their music is performed publicly. By registering your songs with PROs, you can ensure that you’re getting paid for your music.
2. Song Registration
DistroKid makes it easy to register your songs with PROs. When you upload your music to DistroKid for distribution, you can also opt to register your songs with PROs at the same time. DistroKid will handle the registration process for you, saving you time and hassle.
By registering your songs with PROs, you can ensure that you’re collecting all the royalties you’re owed when your music is played on the radio, in live performances, on streaming services, and more. This can be a crucial source of income for independent musicians.
3. Royalty Collection
Once your songs are registered with PROs, DistroKid will help you collect the royalties you’re owed. DistroKid will track when and where your music is played and ensure that you receive your royalties on time. This can be a complex process, but DistroKid handles it all for you, so you can focus on making music.
By using DistroKid’s publishing services, you can rest assured that you’re maximizing your income as a musician. DistroKid will help you collect royalties from all sources, so you can focus on creating great music without worrying about the business side of things.
4. Rights Management
In addition to helping you register your songs and collect royalties, DistroKid can also help you manage the rights to your music. DistroKid offers tools to help you track and protect your copyrights, ensuring that you have control over how your music is used.
With DistroKid’s rights management tools, you can monitor where your music is being played and take action if your music is being used without permission. This can help you protect your intellectual property and ensure that you’re getting paid for your work.
5. Collaboration Opportunities
DistroKid also offers opportunities for collaboration with other artists. Through DistroKid’s collaboration features, you can easily share your music with other musicians, collaborate on new songs, and split royalties automatically.
Collaborating with other artists can help you expand your audience, reach new fans, and create exciting new music. DistroKid’s collaboration tools make it easy to work with other musicians, whether they’re across the street or across the globe.
Conclusion
DistroKid’s publishing services offer independent musicians a range of tools to protect their music, collect royalties, and collaborate with other artists. By using DistroKid’s publishing services, musicians can focus on creating great music while DistroKid handles the business side of things. If you’re an independent musician looking to get your music out there, DistroKid’s publishing services are definitely worth exploring.
FAQs
1. Can I use DistroKid’s publishing services if I’m already signed to a record label?
Yes, you can still use DistroKid’s publishing services even if you’re signed to a record label. DistroKid’s publishing services are designed to help independent musicians protect their music and collect royalties, so they can be a valuable tool for artists of all kinds.
2. How much does DistroKid’s publishing services cost?
DistroKid’s publishing services are included in their distribution packages, which start at $19.99 per year. This includes unlimited song uploads, automatic registration with PROs, and royalty collection. DistroKid also offers a range of additional features for an additional fee.
3. Can DistroKid help me copyright my music?
DistroKid does not offer copyright registration services, but they can help you register your songs with PROs to ensure that you’re collecting royalties. If you’re looking to copyright your music, you’ll need to register with the U.S. Copyright Office or an equivalent organization in your country.
4. How long does it take to start collecting royalties with DistroKid’s publishing services?
Once you register your songs with PROs through DistroKid, it can take some time for royalties to start flowing in. PROs typically distribute royalties on a quarterly basis, so you may need to wait a few months before you start seeing payments. However, DistroKid will handle all the tracking and distribution for you.
5. Can I cancel DistroKid’s publishing services at any time?
Yes, you can cancel DistroKid’s publishing services at any time. DistroKid offers a flexible subscription model, so you can cancel or downgrade your subscription at any time. However, keep in mind that canceling your subscription may affect your ability to collect royalties or access certain features.
