You finally prepared a new music recording and you want to publish it to highlight your name. By publishing your music it means to put it out globally so that other people can listen to it. Generally there are two methods of publishing; first is by a recognized publisher and second is self-publishing. Here we are going to discuss both of the methods. Both the methods vary in many manners like publicity, popularity extent, ways etc.

(I) Via a Publisher:

1) Music Genre is Crucial:

Publishers look for new content centered on genre, it is far better to concentrate on your songwriting in a solo Genre; you can also overlap to other Genres later on.

2) Demo of your music:

While looking for a publisher; first of all prepare a demo of your work that you use as an illustration of your work. Simply because there could be situations; in which you don’t like the publisher, there are also other options; so don’t reveal your whole recording to any publisher. They can misuse it in many ways.

3) Directly submit your music to publishers:

Lookup the directories of websites like bmi, recordingartistsguild, ascap, sesac, in the U.S.A. or the performance rights organizations in your country. Look for song titles and writers in your genre, identify who publishes them, and assess how you can publish your songs. Another way to find publishers is by various Magazines, check out songs on the top 100, R&B or Country charts in your genre, and see the associated list of publishers. Then you have to contact the publisher to ensure to whom you have to send your music and in what format.



4) Create and make contacts in the music industry:

It is also vital to expand your circles in the music industry by any methods. If you are in an area where you don’t have any exposure and music centre etc; most likely you have to move out of that place; to make your career in the field. Make presence at your industry functions. Do hang out with the main personalities of the industry in your location. Make contact with songwriters. Become a member of related organizations like Recording Artists Guild, SOCAN, BMI, ASCAP etc. Be confident but courteous while interacting with major individuals in the industry; keep in mind that they are probably flooded by cunning eager artists every day. Co-write songs with both published and unpublished artists; because you never gonna know who give you a chance to meet his acknowledged publisher.

5) Get a lawyer:

When you get offered by a publishing contract; there are some aspects for which you have to hire a lawyer. Some of those are; how quickly can the publisher pay you money. His international network to collect money from overseas projects is also to be considered. Do check that income shares between the song writers and other members are split in which way, so that you don’t have to get in the court for your share. Publisher’s popularity, specialization etc. in the industry are also important components.



(II) Self-Publishing

If you want to self publish your music, write your songs onto CDs and try selling them at shows, through your website, or through a third party website. Make your songs offered for downloading by your website or with any third party website. You also can promote your songs through social media platforms like Facebook, Youtube, Twitter etc. to gain more responses and popularity. If you are self-publishing you music; have a use of online music distributor so that you are in a position to sell your songs on music stores where fans usually buy their music. You can also try registering with performance rights organizations like RAG, BMI, and ASCAP etc. to create your own publishing company.

If you need any guidance regarding recording, publishing, licensing and endorsement you can contact Recording Artists Guild.

