An important part of being a Anyone who contributes to creating or performing a musical work, a live performance, or a sound recording. is keeping records of all your contributions to An original musical composition with or without lyrics., In the context of music, when a musical work is played live or on a sound recording., and Typically, the recorded performance of a musical work protected as a phonogram under copyright law., and Submitting information relating to musical works and sound recordings to an appropriate registration body, for example, copyright ownership information submitted to a Collective Management Organization or copyright office. them in all the right places to help track their In the context of music, it is used to describe the use of a musical work or sound recording, for example, the type and number of streams or radio plays.. Doing this will ensure that you’re properly To be publicly acknowledged for a contribution to the creation of a musical work, a live performance, or sound recording, for example, listing a songwriter's or performer's name. and paid for the use of your music.
Here are a few tips.
Keep detailed records
This includes Data that describes other data, for example, information that describes creators, other rights holders, musical works, and sound recordings., Unique alphanumeric codes used to identify creators, rights holders, musical works, and sound recordings., information about Also sometimes referred to as shares, the portion of ownership a rights holder has or the portion of income they are entitled to., A person who makes an original contribution to the creation of a musical composition or lyrics. and other collaborators, A company that represents songwriters, supporting their career development, monetizing musical works, and protecting copyrights. , A company that invests in, manufactures, distributes, promotes, and monetizes sound recordings on behalf of the artist., In the context of music, a creator playing a musical work live or on a sound recording. ownership of your musical works and sound recordings, any agreements or A form of permission given to use copyrighted material, such as a musical work or sound recording, under certain conditions and usually for a fee. you may have, and any uses of your musical work or sound recording you are aware of.
Register your works and sound recordings
It's important that your musical works and sound recordings are registered with your Collective Management Organization: An organization that acts collectively on behalf of the rights holders it represents and collects and pays remuneration to rights holders. so that your The controls creators or rights holders have over what they have created or produced and over their identity and image. are correctly documented, identified, and represented and to ensure that you receive proper credits and Money paid for the right to use a musical work, performance, or sound recording, typically, but not always, in the form of recurring payments. payments. Registering the musical works and sound recordings should be done as soon as possible and always before a sound recording is commercially released. Depending on your situation and country, and unless someone else does this for you, you may have to register your musical works and sound recordings with more than one CMO.
Even if you have a record label or A person who represents the interests of one or multiple creators, including artists, songwriters, music producers, or other roles., there is no one other than you, the creator, who better knows the truth about what you contributed to the creation of a musical work or sound recording, so capture the information in any way possible. See our page on Creators' Responsibilities.
Use technology
Many tools are available to help creators capture and keep accurate records about their music and contributors. Take advantage of relevant tools, websites, and software that can help automate this process, and share it with your other collaborators. They, too, need to keep track of your contribution whenever you are collaborating together.
Regularly audit your catalog
Regularly audit the documentation and use of your A collection of musical works or sound recordings. of musical works and sound recordings and review your Documents that give creators and other rights holders information about usage, earnings, and payments.. This will help ensure your information is complete and up to date and that you’re receiving the right payment for the use of your musical works and sound recordings wherever and whenever they are used.
Keep up with the industry
Learn more on CLIP and other information sources. Talk with other creators and music industry professionals, subscribe to newsletters and podcasts, follow , and read industry websites. This will help you follow good practices and stay up to date on industry trends and changes. If you’re a member of a CMO or a professional organization, get involved and take advantage of the resources they have to offer their members.
Video credit: Tiffany Orvet, Daniel Sundström, Eric Ivar Persson, David Wells, Tobias Leo Nordquist, Ponny Höijer, William Engström, Parapix