Copyrighting your music is a crucial first step before stepping into the studio to record. This legal protection ensures your creative work is safeguarded against unauthorized use. By securing your copyright, you can focus on your recording process with peace of mind, knowing your intellectual property is protected. Don't overlook this important step in your music journey!- fill out forms PA & SR with www.copyright.gov
STEP 1
STEP 2
Develop a Artist sharing and percentage worksheet also known as a Band By Law agreement. This is a contract between all of the people who is involved with you as a artist to include: band members roles, artist manager's, Producers, and other staff- this is a legal contract that outlines the business operation of your musical act. it has details to who has the right to contract signatory, who gets performance royalties, writer royalties, mechanical royalties, streaming royalties, merchandise income, endorsements, and sponsorships
sample of Artist sharing and percentage worksheet click here >
STEP 3
Purchase International Standard recording codes for your music- do not use distribution services if you do you are giving away your rights to your music legally-own your own ISRC codes so you have control over your music you can buy your ISRC codes here- www.isrc.com assign your ISRC code to the song you want to record.
STEP 4
Record your song- make sure at the start of your session or during the master to embed your ISRC code into the session file- also make sure if you have a producer you have the right contracts filled out before your session ends and get the master receipt of your recording.
STEP 5
register music with a performance rights society- Artist can only be affiliated with one- once joined you upload your works with the song name, writers, producers information, band members, copyright registration number, ISRC number. genre and sub genres.
STEP 6
Tour your album- just remember every time you play a live show you are Entitled to a performance Royalty payment for your life plus 70 years for each live show- so if you perform 50 shows in one year you get 50 different payments for the 75 year term of your registered copyright. it is important to remember what type of venue you are performing at Membership clubs are not required to pay a performance royalty only non membership establishments are. find below contract templates you can use to book your gigs.