With the number of available publishing deals shrinking (along with royalty income), with more and more artists writing their own songs in “camps,” and with home recording getting better and cheaper… do songwriters still need publishers?
The answer is “NO… IF…”
Want more? Read on below.
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Here’s why you DON’T need a publisher.
1. You aren’t trying to get other artists to record your songs.
You write for yourself, family and friends. You aren’t actively pursuing commercial success. If somehow someone gets ahold of your song and records it… whatever. But you aren’t chasing it. Or you’re the artist and record your own songs.
2. You have your own pitch relationships.
You can get meetings with artists, A&R reps, and/or music producers. Even if you can’t get meetings, you can at least email them songs- and you KNOW they’ll listen. Or you are your own (signed) artist and write for yourself. The point is, you can get your songs to someone who can say “yes.”
3. You’re self-funded.
You can cover your own demo expenses. And you are in a financial situation that allows you the flexibility to write a lot. In other words, you don’t need an advance (or draw) from a publisher.
4. You can do your own publishing administration.
You either outsource your publishing admin, or you’re able to do the business side yourself. You know how to copyright, register, and license your songs that do get cut.
5. You have your own cowriter relationships.
Publishers often help hook their writers up with high-level cowriters- or even artists. If your networking and people skills are strong enough, you can do this yourself.
So there you go. Five reasons you might not need a publisher. Sound like you? Awesome! But if that doesn’t sound like you, I have a great opportunity coming up!
Songwriting Pro’s next “Play For A Publisher” event is coming right up, and our guest is Joe Dan Cornett, Creative Director of Daywind Music Publishing & Billy Blue Publishing! Joe Dan works in the Country, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass and CCM/Worship markets. If YOU have the songs, HE knows what to do with them! Play for a publisher. Get his professional feedback. Make a connection. Overcome your fear.
CLICK HERE TO GET ALL THE DETAILS AND SEND IN YOUR SONG!
God Bless and Enjoy the Journey,
Brent
Brent Baxter is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ruthie Collins, Ray Stevens, and more. He’s written a top 5 hit in the US, a #1 Single of the Year in Canada & a top 10 in Texas… so far. He also co-hosts a 5-star podcast, “The C.L.I.M.B.” on iTunes, Stitcher & HERE.
