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Music publishing, explained.

Practical writing about the parts of the publishing business indie songwriters never get told.

What Happens If You Never Register Your Songs

Unregistered royalties don't wait for you forever. Where the money goes, how long you have, and what the law says happens to it.

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How to Read a Songwriter Splits Agreement

What a split sheet has to contain, why writer and publisher shares are counted separately, and the mistakes that stall payment.

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Beat Producer Publishing Splits: Who Owns What

A beat is a composition. What that means for producer splits, why a lease isn't a split sheet, and how to register the work correctly.

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ASCAP vs BMI vs SESAC vs GMR: Which PRO Do You Pick?

Four US performing rights organizations, but only two you can actually join. Costs, payout timing, and how to choose between ASCAP and BMI.

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What Is Publishing Administration? A Plain-English Guide

Publishing administration is the back-office work of registering and collecting publishing royalties. How it differs from a deal, self-admin, and a PRO.

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What Is a Mechanical Royalty? A Plain-English Breakdown

Mechanical royalties pay songwriters when a song is reproduced — streamed, downloaded, or pressed. How they work and why yours may be missing.

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Spotify Credits for Songwriters: How to Fix Yours

Spotify Credits shows writers, producers, and performers on every track. Where the data comes from, how to fix yours, and why it matters for royalties.

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MLC vs HFA: Which One Does What for Songwriters?

The MLC and HFA both collect mechanical royalties for songwriters, but only one is automatic. A clear breakdown of who pays what, when.

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ISWC vs ISRC: What's the Difference, and Do You Need Both?

ISWC identifies a song. ISRC identifies a recording. One song can have many ISRCs but only one ISWC. Why the distinction matters for getting paid.

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How Much Does Spotify Pay Per Stream in 2026?

How much does Spotify pay per stream? About $0.0017 per US premium stream in 2026 — the breakdown by tier, country, and who gets the money.

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Do I Need a Music Publisher? An Honest Answer

Do I need a music publisher? Usually not — most indie songwriters need a publishing administrator instead. How to tell the difference.

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