Understanding CD Baby and Publishing Administration
When it comes to managing your music's royalties and gaining access to streaming platforms, CD Baby offers a valuable administration service. However, it is important to understand the limitations and responsibilities that come with using their services. In this article, we will explore whether CD Baby owns your publishing rights and what services they do offer to help independent artists.
What CD Baby Can Do for You
CD Baby primarily offers an administration service for a portion of your royalties. Their service includes registering your songs and collecting royalties on your behalf, as well as getting your music onto major streaming services. For independent artists, this can be a significant advantage, as it is often challenging to navigate these platforms without the backing of a major label or a real publishing company.
Do They Own Your Publishing Rights?
No, CD Baby does not own your publishing rights. It is a common misconception that they do, but it is crucial to understand the distinction between being a publishing administrator and owning publishing rights. As a publishing administrator, CD Baby can facilitate the collection of royalties and ensure your songs are properly registered. However, the rights themselves remain with you as the original creator.
Why You Still Need a Performance Rights Organization
To secure your performance rights, it is imperative to join a Performance Rights Organization (PRO). Some popular PROs include ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. CD Baby does not handle the registration for these organizations, so you must join one of them to protect your performance rights.
Claiming the Publisher Share
With ASCAP and BMI, you can claim the publisher share for free. However, with ASCAP, you will need to start a formal publishing company and pay a fee of $50 to do so. This process is necessary to claim your full share of royalties from performance rights organizations.
Careful Management of Your Music Rights
Maintaining control and knowledge about your music rights is essential for any independent artist. By understanding what CD Baby can and cannot do, you can make informed decisions about your music's administration and ensure that you are protecting your rights. Always stay informed about the services and limitations of music administration companies, and consider joining a PRO to safeguard your performance rights.
Conclusion
CD Baby is a valuable tool for independent artists, offering administrative services that can help streamline royalty collection and get your music onto major streaming platforms. However, it is important to remember that they do not own your publishing rights. Understanding these nuances is crucial for maintaining control over your music and ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your work.