​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.​

Today’s music marketplace is more complex than any previous era. It’s easy to feel paralyzed by the plethora of digital services and business models, to say nothing of corresponding revenue streams—all of which are established by copyright. In simple and easy-to-read language, Music Copyright: An Essential Guide for the Digital Age takes readers step-by-step through the world of music copyright, imparting tools to navigate this intricate system. Casey Rae demystifies the laws, business practices, and trends that enable—and sometimes frustrate—a rapidly evolving industry and empowers music creators, managers, and entrepreneurs to make informed decisions. Learn about the exclusive rights attached to expressive works and how they correspond to different roles and royalties within the music marketplace. The book provides: information on protecting and registering copyrights an explanation of recent developments in the courts and Congress pertaining to music copyright law valuable strategies for music licensing information on how to sign up for royalty collection societies and an array of other useful organizations and services

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.

The Copyright Office has previously highlighted the outmoded rules for the licensing of musical works and sound recordings as an area in significant need of reform. Moreover, the Office has underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to copyright review and revision generally. This is especially true in the case of music licensing the problems in the music marketplace need to be evaluated as a whole, rather than as isolated or individual concerns of particular stakeholders.

Do you know the answers to these questions? (You had better, if you want to survive in the music business.) * What can I copyright? * Why will a Poor Man copyright keep me poor? * Can I sell my copyright? Give it to my kids? * What is infringement? * What is Fair Use? (it is not what you think it is) * How do songwriters get paid? * What does a music publisher do? Do I need one? * Who are ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC? * How do cover songs work? * What is the difference between a parody and infringement? * What is in a record deal? * We are putting out our own album, what do we do? * What do all those legal terms mean? * How do recording artists get paid? * Am I recouped yet? Mark J. Davis is an attorney, university lecturer, and former arbitrator for the US Copyright Office. His students have gone on to careers in the music industry after taking his classes. Rely on his 30 years of experience in entertainment law.

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."