The Role of Music Publishers in the Song Making Process

The involvement of music publishers in the song making process is a subject that has sparked much debate in the music industry. This article will explore the various roles and levels of involvement that music publishers might have, based on different scenarios and situations.

Definition of the Song Making Process

The term song making process can be somewhat ambiguous, as it could refer to either the songwriting process or the demo recording process. For the sake of clarity, this article will consider both aspects.

General Role of a Music Publisher

In general, a music publisher is not directly involved in the creative process of songwriting. Their main role is to ensure that the songwriters and composers receive payment for their work when their compositions are used commercially. This involves managing the rights and interests of the songwriters, assisting in licensing agreements, and helping to secure deals for their music.

The publisher typically gets involved after the music has already been written and/or recorded. The artist is expressing their artistic vision, and the publisher, through their network and industry connections, attempts to source deals for the music. This can include securing recording deals, licensing agreements for use in films, advertisements, and other media.

Commissioned Songwriting and Increased Involvement

There are situations where a music publisher’s involvement in the song making process is more significant. For example, in commissioned songwriting scenarios, such as creating music for advertisements or specific projects, the publisher can act as an agent between the artist and the client. In these cases, the publisher might become more involved in the creative process, ensuring that the music aligns with the client's specs and requirements.

Notably, these scenarios are less common than the typical post-composition role. However, it is established that publishers have the potential to play a more active role when commissioned for a specific piece of music.

Artist-Centric Approach

Many believe that a music publisher should not be overly involved in the creation of the music. The idea is that an artist should have the freedom to create genuine and authentic work. Publishers should focus on ensuring the music is legally cleared and then facilitating the market entry of the song.

An artist’s authenticity and artistic vision are essential for creating emotionally impactful music. Over-involvement from a publisher can stifle this creative freedom and potentially alter the intended artistic expression of the song.

Conclusion

The level of involvement a music publisher should have in the song making process depends on the specific situation and the nature of the relationship between the artist and the publisher. In most cases, it is best for the publisher to maintain a hands-off approach, allowing artists the freedom to create. However, in commissioned scenarios, the publisher can take on a more active role to ensure the music meets the needs of the client.

Understanding the publisher’s role and considering these various factors can help artists and publishers work more effectively together, leading to more successful outcomes in the music industry.