Joining a PRO: The First Step for Composers, Songwriters, and Artists

With all those good definitions of income streams, what is a good first step for a composer, songwriter, or artist to take when it comes to joining a PRO?

Join a PRO

Fundamentally, the first thing you have to do when you decide to become a composer is to join a PRO (performing rights organization) of your choice.

• In America, you have ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.
• In the UK, there's PRS.
• In Germany, you have GEMA.

Wherever you are in the world, there will be a PRO that you can join. What joining a PRO allows you to do is:

• Register your tracks (making them more or less copyrighted)
• Ensure that the PRO knows about your tracks
• Receive payment whenever your tracks get played

So, it's crucial to become a member of a PRO, particularly if you're planning to release your own music online or through digital distributors.

Registering with PRS and MCPS

You might consider joining PRS first and, as your songs reach some form of product, join the other side, the MCPS (Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society).

Key Points:

• As a composer, you wouldn't typically join MCPS; that's more for publishers who collect mechanical income.
• For artists, a record contract usually handles the recording side.
• DIY artists should still be members of a PRO like PRS, especially if releasing music online via platforms like iTunes.

Benefits of Joining a Distributor

If you're going the DIY route, consider joining an aggregator or digital distributor which can help with:

• Taking care of the deals with online outlets.
• Providing a direct link with people who will pay you for mechanical rights.

Examples of digital distributors include:

• The Orchard
• AWAL
• Ditto
• Believe

The Benefits of a Publishing Deal

What Publishers Can Do for You

Having a publishing deal can be beneficial depending on your aspirations as a composer. Here are some ways publishers can assist:

• Register Your Songs: They collect income through PRO memberships.
• Exploit Your Work: Publishers can connect you with other composers, find opportunities, and help protect your works from infringement.
• Forge Relationships: They often have the necessary connections with record companies, increasing your chances of having your work covered by artists.

Collaboration Opportunities

• If you're a composer who doesn't want to tour, a publisher can connect you with artists who will perform your songs commercially.
• They can reach out to record companies when artists are looking for tracks, which can be mutually beneficial.

Networking and Community

Importance of Networking

Networking is essential:

• Attend events held by organizations like PRS, which host various gatherings and networking events throughout the year.
• Networking events are a great way to connect and can lead to unexpected opportunities.

You'll find that a significant portion of composers might feel shy, but it's vital to get out and meet people.

Example Networking Opportunities

• Tile Yard hosts networking evenings each month, which are great for making connections in the industry.

Making Connections

Timing is crucial. For example, if you meet a publisher who is looking for a ballad and you happen to have one, that could lead to significant opportunities.

Prolific Activity

The Benefits of Being Prolific

To establish a career as a composer, being prolific is vital. Here's why:

• Every song you create is an opportunity.
• You might only need a handful of standout tracks from the numerous songs you write.

Specialization in Songwriting

Different Roles in Songwriting

Songwriters can specialize in various areas:

• Hook writers focus on catchy choruses.
• Composers can create instrumental music for programming.
• Collaborations can maximize effectiveness, for instance, pairing a producer with a vocalist and a lyricist.

Advantages of Working with a Publisher

Global Reach

Joining a reputable publisher provides access to:

• Sub Publishers: Many publishers have sub-publishing agreements with companies around the world, enabling your music to be represented globally.
• Local Expertise: Sub publishers understand their local markets better and can enhance the potential for your music.

Exploring Publishing Companies

When researching publishers, consider:

• Their sub-publishing network and its effectiveness in various regions.
• Whether they are connected with major players like Sony or Universal, which gives them wider reach.

Sync Opportunities

Sync Departments

Publishers often have dedicated sync departments to look for opportunities with TV and film companies. Sync placements can be a lucrative avenue for composers.

While technology is creating new platforms for uploading songs and matching them with sync briefs, having a dedicated publisher generally increases your chances of getting placed due to their established relationships.

Conclusion

For a young composer, exploring publishing opportunities and actively getting involved with a PRO and networking can set the foundation for a successful career in music. Keep creating, connecting, and exploring avenues for your compositions.