An important part of being a is keeping records of all your contributions to , , and , and them in all the right places to help track their . Doing this will ensure that you’re properly and paid for the use of your music.
Here are a few tips.
Keep detailed records
This includes , , information about , and other collaborators, , , ownership of your musical works and sound recordings, any agreements or 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 so that your are correctly documented, identified, and represented and to ensure that you receive proper credits and 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 , 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 of musical works and sound recordings and review your . 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