This episode explains how music moves from creation to public release and how artists get paid. It begins by clarifying that music publishing is about managing the rights to a song’s composition (lyrics and melody), separate from the sound recording.

It covers the importance of copyright, noting that creators automatically own their work but should register it for legal protection. The episode then explains how digital distributors like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby help artists upload music to platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

Next, it breaks down the main types of royalties: mechanical (streams and sales), performance (public plays), and sync (use in media). It also highlights the role of Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in collecting payments.

The episode discusses music publisher ...