How Publishing Works and Songwriters Get Paid
1Digest
This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of music publishing, differentiating between master and publishing royalties. It emphasizes the challenges independent artists face in collecting publishing income due to the fragmented and complex nature of the system. The episode introduces Cobalt, a tech-driven music publishing company, and its innovative admin publishing model. A detailed explanation of admin deals is provided, contrasting them with traditional publishing agreements. Cobalt's Cosine platform is highlighted as a solution that simplifies the process, offering global coverage, faster payments, and transparent, flat-rate commissions. The podcast compares using Cosine to direct registration with Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) like ASCAP and the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), emphasizing Cosine's advantages in terms of efficiency and global reach. The discussion also touches upon the "black box" issue of unclaimed royalties and how Cosine helps artists avoid this. Finally, the episode clarifies that Cosine is designed for songwriters earning a significant amount in publishing income, aiming to provide high-quality service to those who can benefit most.
Outlines
Music Publishing Fundamentals and Challenges for Independent Artists
Introduction to music publishing, explaining the difference between master and publishing royalties and the difficulties independent artists face in collecting publishing income due to its complexity and fragmented nature. This section also introduces the concept of two copyrights (master recording and composition) and their importance for maximizing income.
Cobalt, Admin Publishing, and the Cosine Platform
Introduction to Cobalt and its admin publishing model, contrasting it with traditional publishing deals. A deep dive into how admin deals work and how Cosine simplifies the process for independent artists, highlighting its flat commission rate and flexible terms.
Cosine vs. Direct PRO/MLC Registration: A Comparative Analysis
Comparison of using Cosine versus registering directly with PROs and the MLC, highlighting Cosine's advantages in global coverage, speed of payment, transparency, and avoidance of the "black box" issue of unclaimed royalties. This section also discusses the target audience for Cosine, focusing on songwriters with substantial publishing income.
Keywords
Music Publishing
The business of ensuring songwriters are paid when their songs are used; involves two copyrights: master recording and composition; collecting both maximizes income.
Publishing Royalties
Royalties paid for the use of a song's composition; requires active registration and collection, often through a publisher or administrator.
Admin Publishing
A service where a company handles the registration and collection of publishing royalties on behalf of songwriters, taking a commission; offers transparency and efficiency.
Cobalt
A large independent music publishing company known for its technology and admin publishing model.
Cosine
Cobalt's platform offering streamlined global publishing administration for independent artists and songwriters; features a flexible, rolling quarterly term and a flat commission.
Performing Rights Organization (PRO)
Organizations like ASCAP and BMI that collect performance royalties for songwriters.
Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC)
US organization collecting mechanical royalties for digital streams.
Independent Artists
Musicians who are not signed to major record labels or publishers.
Royalties
Payments made to artists and songwriters for the use of their work.
Q&A
What is the key difference between master and publishing royalties?
Master royalties are for the sound recording (automatically collected), while publishing royalties are for the song's composition (requiring active registration and collection).
Why is collecting publishing royalties challenging for independent artists?
The system is fragmented and complex, requiring specialized knowledge to navigate effectively.
How does Cosine simplify the publishing process?
Cosine provides comprehensive global publishing administration, faster payments, and transparent, flat-rate commissions.
What are the advantages of Cosine over direct PRO/MLC registration?
Cosine offers better global coverage, faster payments, greater transparency, and avoids the "black box" of unclaimed royalties.
Who is Cosine designed for?
Songwriters earning a significant amount (e.g., $3,000-$5,000 annually or more) in publishing income.
Show Notes
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Jacob Paul, the VP of Platform Growth & Brand Strategy at Kobalt and KOSIGN. Jacob has been one of the leaders behind Kobalt’s new admin publishing platform, KOSIGN, since its public launch in February 2025. Kobalt has been disrupting the traditional publishing model for years. Now their application-based platform, KOSIGN, is doing the same in the admin publishing space.
In this episode, Jacob explains how Kobalt and KOSIGN approach publishing differently than traditional publishers and admin publishers. Along the way, he and Ari completely break down how music publishing works. They touch on: how songwriters get paid, the difference between “artists” and “songwriters,” the difference between publishers and admin publishers, and how creators can be sure they’re not leaving any money on the table. Jacob also shares why it’s advantageous to have a publisher or an admin publisher instead of just working with a PRO or MRO. If you have questions about music publishing (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?), this episode’s got you covered.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Music Publishing and Royalties
05:07 The Role of Kobalt in Music Publishing
10:10 Distinguishing Between Artists and Songwriters
14:51 The Importance of Publishing for Songwriters
19:53 Kobalt's Innovative Approach to Publishing
25:03 Exploring Traditional vs. Admin Publishing Deals
29:56 The Launch of KOSIGN and Its Impact on Indie Songwriters
35:43 The Rise of Independent Artists
40:23 Understanding Publishing and Royalties
45:35 Navigating the Complexities of Publishing Administration
51:10 The Role of KOSIGN in Empowering Songwriters
56:25 The Future of Music Publishing and Artist Ownership
Edited and mixed by Ari Davids
Music by Brassroots District
Produced by the team at Ari’s Take
Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com
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