International Publishing Companies and Digital Distributers

International Publishing Companies

International publishing companies are businesses that work globally to protect and promote a songwriter’s music in multiple countries.
These publishers have a network of relationships with record companies, film and television producers, advertisers, and the general music licensing community to get music placed in different markets.
A songwriter who signs a deal with an international publishing company can have their music promoted and monetised globally.
International publishing companies can assist in localisation, ensuring that the music and its promotional materials align with the culture and language of each market.
Some known international music publishers include Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, and Warner Chappell Music.

Digital distributors also play a critical role in the global music industry, particularly with the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal.
They are responsible for delivering music content from individual artists and labels to digital platforms.
Digital distributors ensure that music is accurately and adequately represented on these platforms. This includes correct metadata tagging so that music is searchable and categorisable.
They may also negotiate deals with the platforms to gain promotional opportunities for their artists.
In return for their services, digital distributors generally take a percentage of the royalties generated by the music they distribute, or they might charge an upfront fee per album or single distributed.
Notable digital distributors within the music industry include TuneCore, CD Baby, and DistroKid.

Changes in technology have substantially impacted music distribution. Initially, music distribution was only physical through vinyl, cassette tapes, and CDs.
With the advent of the internet, digital downloads primarily through the iTunes Store became the leading form of music distribution. This changed with the rise of streaming platforms which now dominate music consumption.
Technology has also levelled the playing field for independent artists who can now get their music on global platforms without necessarily needing a traditional record deal.
Artists can also use social media, websites, email newsletters and other digital communication tools to promote their music and engage with fans directly.

International Publishing Companies: Businesses that work to protect, promote, and monetise a songwriter’s music globally.
Digital Distributors: Companies that deliver music content from individual artists and record labels to online platforms.
Royalties: Recurring payments made by one party (the licensee) to another (the licensor/copyright owner) for the right to use their copyrighted work.
Localisation: The process of making something suitable for use in a particular country or region.
Metadata: Information about other data, which helps in sorting and cataloguing it.