Direct Licensing And The Music Industry

​This book discusses the economics of the music industry in the context of the changing landscape brought about by innovation, technological change, and rapid digitization. The ability of digital technology to reduce the transaction costs of music copyright licensing has all but destroyed the traditional media business models of incumbent Performance Rights Organizations (PROs), music publishers, record labels, and radio and television stations. In a climate where streaming services are rapidly proliferating and consumers prefer subscription models over direct ownership, new business models, such as direct licensing, are developing. This book provides an overview of the economics of the traditional music industry, the technology-induced changes in business models and copyright law, and the role of publishers, copyright holders and songwriters in the emerging direct licensing model. In Part One, the author examines the economic aspects of direct licensing as an alternative to the traditional blanket license for copyrighted musical compositions, with an emphasis on the often monopolistic nature of PROs. In Part Two, the author focuses on the music publisher and the role direct licensing and competition may play in the changing business models in the music industry and the potential benefits this may bring to copyright holders, such as songwriters. To compliment this model, the author proposes a maximum statutory fixed-rate for musical performances to further streamline the royalty process, especially where distributors such as Google and YouTube are concerned. This book adds to the growing body of literature on the economics of music licensing in the digital age. It will be useful to those in the fields of economics and law, as well as music executives, musicians, songwriters, composers, and other industry professionals who are interested in understanding how technology, innovation and competition have reshaped the music industry.​

The music industry is going through a period of immense change brought about in part by the digital revolution. What is the role of music in the age of computers and the internet? How has the music industry been transformed by the economic and technological upheavals of recent years, and how is it likely to change in the future? This is the first major study of the music industry in the new millennium. Wikström provides an international overview of the music industry and its future prospects in the world of global entertainment. They illuminate the workings of the music industry, and capture the dynamics at work in the production of musical culture between the transnational media conglomerates, the independent music companies and the public. The Music Industry will become a standard work on the music industry at the beginning of the 21st century. It will be of great interest to students and scholars of media and communication studies, cultural studies, popular music, sociology and economics. It will also be of great value to professionals in the music industry, policy makers, and to anyone interested in the future of music.

"With behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the halls of power, real-world case studies, and tips from successful industry players, this book equips readers with the tools they need to navigate the complex world of music copyright, showing how creator, technology, and communities can work together to support a healthier music ecosystem"--

First-hand advice for musicians from Brian Tarquin, author, who has over twenty years of experience in licensing music to record labels, TV shows, feature films, radio promos, and network promos. This book takes you through how licensing really works: what type of royalties are expected, digital royalties from companies, receiving royalties from iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster through digital distributors like IODA/The Orchard, and how they pay. Also covered are mechanical royalties from broadcast radio licenses, how foreign royalties are collected, publishing administration deals, and a breakdown of sync and master licenses. Interviews with major industry players offer advice directly to musicians. Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.

This comprehensive reference features in-depth discussions of every important music industry contract, all enlivened by personal anecdotes from the author's wide-ranging experiences. Updated to reflect the rapid pace of change in the music industry, this new edition includes a focus on group agreements, live performances, free music on the Internet, the effect of the Millennium Copyright Act, ancillary rights, and the independent record label. Other key issues covered include the artists' rebellion against record company contracts, litigation by superstars and songwriters against record labels, and the industry-wide downturn in record sales. - "I wish this book had been available when I was starting out."--Sam Moore, R&B artist, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer - For amateur and professional musicians; attorneys, universities and music schools, and libraries - Contains over 300 examples of contract provisions "From the Hardcover edition."

Plug your music career into the lucrative new income streams of the digital marketplace Record deals are so twentieth century. Today, music licensing is the fastest route to widespread exposure and a steady income. Creators of films, television shows, commercials, video games, ringtones, podcasts and other digital-age media hunger for music perfectly suited to their projects—providing endless, lucrative opportunities for savvy musicians. Whether you’re an unknown composer, an up-and-coming songwriter, an independent-label performer, or a big label star, there’s a place for you in this fast-growing field—as long as you learn to master the game. How does music licensing work? Where are the most abundant and rewarding opportunities? Find the answers in this authoritative, up-to-the-moment overview of one of the most effective ways to market your talent. It’s all here: The key players in the music licensing business and the best ways to make contacts and bring your music to their attention Types of licensing agreements and how to understand them An inside look at the licensing selection process and how to get a jump on music requests Negotiating payment and protecting your music in the open marketplace, including international venues Getting music licensed for television shows, films, commercials, digital media, and less obvious markets like colleges and universities, theater companies, corporate training videos, and restaurants Firsthand advice from top music executives, marketers, music supervisors, lawyers, talent managers, and filmmakers

The definitive, essential guide to the music industry, now in its eighth edition—revised and updated with crucial information on the industry’s major changes in response to rapid technological advances and economic uncertainty. For the first time ever, the guide also includes advice on the Canadian music scene from entertainment lawyer Chip Sutherland. The past two decades have seen file-sharing technology and digital streaming services transform the music business across the continent, and the changes keep coming at breakneck speed. How are record labels adapting to the demand for instantly accessible, low-cost music while coping with piracy? How can Cana­dian musicians break into the global market? And what does it all mean for aspiring and established artists today? Donald Passman, one of the most trusted music law­yers in the United States, offers his sage advice for creating, selling, sharing, and protecting your music in the Infor­mation Age in this updated Canadian edition of All You Need to Know About the Music Business. And now Cana­dian musicians have a voice of their own, as Chip Sutherland, one of Canada’s most distinguished enter­tainment lawyers, offers insight into the industry trends and particulars of the Great White North. Executives and artists, experts and novices alike will benefit from these detailed yet easy-to-understand expla­nations of the latest technologies, legalities, and practices shaping the music business, such as: • Royalties for music transmitted via digital down­loads, streaming services, cloud lockers, and apps • Updated licensing regulations and industry agree­ments • Selecting and hiring a winning team of advisors—personal and business managers, agents, and attorneys—and structuring their commissions, percentages, and fees in a way that will protect you and maximize these relationships • Mastering the major and the finer points of con­tract negotiations In a bonus Canadian content section at the end of each chapter, they give guidance on the basics, such as how to: • Navigate the Canadian marketplace and the tran­sition to a global presence • Find Canadian financial grants and bursaries • Understand regulations governing Canadian content development • Recognize the unique features of Canadian deal structures • Maximize concert, touring, and merchandising agreements in Canadian and American market­places Anyone interested in making and marketing music—musi­cians, songwriters, agents, promoters, publishers, managers, and record company executives—needs this crucial text to keep up with the frenetic pace of technological and legal change. No one understands the music business on both sides of the border better than Passman and Sutherland. Let them show you how to “make it” in one of the world’s most dynamic and challenging industries.