Artist Education
No fluff. This is the business side that keeps you paid.
The 60-second map
- Copyright = ownership. (Protects the work.)
- PRO = performance royalties for the song (writers/publishers).
- Master royalties = money tied to the sound recording.
- Metadata = names + splits + IDs. If it’s wrong, money goes missing.
Rule:
If you don’t register and track your work, you’re donating money.
Copyright (protect the work)
In the U.S., registration is done through the U.S. Copyright Office. Music commonly has two sides: the song (composition) and the recording (master).
Performance royalties (writers/publishers)
A PRO collects performance royalties (radio, venues, and more). If you write, register your songs with your PRO.
Digital performance for masters (U.S.)
For certain U.S. digital performance royalties tied to the master recording, SoundExchange is a key registration point for artists/labels.
Splits + metadata (don’t skip this)
- Splits: writer splits + producer splits — lock them in writing.
- Names: consistent spelling everywhere.
- IDs: ISRC (recording), ISWC (song) where applicable.
- Credits: producers, writers, featured artists — accurate and complete.
Simple rule:
No split sheet = future headache. Handle it early.
Rollout (how to actually get eyes)
- Tease — 7–12 seconds. Hook only.
- Announce — date, title, one clean link.
- Drop — pin it, repost it, push it.
- Proof — reactions, behind the scenes, testimonials.
- Repeat — consistency is the cheat code.
Creator store strategy (digital)
- Starter: affordable, clean, easy to deliver.
- Main: your real value offer.
- Premium: higher-ticket service/product for serious buyers.