
302 Music Composition & Master Recording Ownership, Royalties, And Income Opportunities
07/05/24 • 21 min
This episode dives into the complex world of music composition, master recording ownership, royalties, and income opportunities for independent musicians.
- Discover the benefits of owning your compositions and the importance of master recording ownership in protecting your creative work.
- Learn essential tips for navigating the music industry, from Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) to mechanical royalties and synchronization fees.
- Understand how songwriters earn income from public performances, reproductions, and visual mediums.
The discussion covers the primary income sources for master recordings and emphasizes the importance of signing up with organizations like SoundExchange and a PRO to collect your well-deserved royalties. Further, I cover mechanical royalties for master recordings, components of the collection process, synchronization licensing for both composition and master recording owners, and the role of PROs in paying royalties to songwriters and publishers.
Join me as I unravel the music composition and master recording ownership, and royalties, empowering independent musicians to protect their creative works and maximize their income potential.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related EpisodesThe Rain Song - Led Zeppelin cover by Chiara Kilchling
Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization by Neil deGrasse Tyson
How to License Your Music as a DIY Musician
Music Publishing 101: How To Make Money With Your Music
Owning Your Master Recording: All You Need to Know
A beginner’s guide to performing rights organizations (PROs)
Leading by Example: How Taylor Swift Has Spotlighted Musician Rights and Ownership
Music Fairness Action Campaign Launches With Support Of Dionne Warwick
ResourcesThe Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make...
This episode dives into the complex world of music composition, master recording ownership, royalties, and income opportunities for independent musicians.
- Discover the benefits of owning your compositions and the importance of master recording ownership in protecting your creative work.
- Learn essential tips for navigating the music industry, from Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) to mechanical royalties and synchronization fees.
- Understand how songwriters earn income from public performances, reproductions, and visual mediums.
The discussion covers the primary income sources for master recordings and emphasizes the importance of signing up with organizations like SoundExchange and a PRO to collect your well-deserved royalties. Further, I cover mechanical royalties for master recordings, components of the collection process, synchronization licensing for both composition and master recording owners, and the role of PROs in paying royalties to songwriters and publishers.
Join me as I unravel the music composition and master recording ownership, and royalties, empowering independent musicians to protect their creative works and maximize their income potential.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related EpisodesThe Rain Song - Led Zeppelin cover by Chiara Kilchling
Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization by Neil deGrasse Tyson
How to License Your Music as a DIY Musician
Music Publishing 101: How To Make Money With Your Music
Owning Your Master Recording: All You Need to Know
A beginner’s guide to performing rights organizations (PROs)
Leading by Example: How Taylor Swift Has Spotlighted Musician Rights and Ownership
Music Fairness Action Campaign Launches With Support Of Dionne Warwick
ResourcesThe Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make...
Previous Episode

301 Songwriting, Selling More Merch At Shows
Songwriting and selling merch at shows were topics of a recent edition of Liner Notes. As I dip my toes back into the waters of writing original material, I looked up the tips du jour to see if I could find some worth sharing. I found a few interesting tips and added a couple of less common thoughts.
Selling merch has been on the top of my mind in recent months, so I thought I'd include a continuation of episode 299, in which I discussed selling music and merch. I haven't made a lot of merch sales at shows, as most of my shows have been as a supporting musician and often in cover bands. I have, however, had the opportunity to work with several original artists, taking note of what works for them.
I've begun venturing into doing my original material at shows and thinking of merch opportunities for original acts and cover bands. These observations and personal ventures led me to include, in this episode, recommendations for selling more merch at your shows. These tips will help you maximize revenue from merchandise sales at your shows.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related EpisodesSongwriting Tips: 10 Techniques for Writing Memorable Songs
How to Write a Song | 12 Songwriting Tips from the Pros
Simple Songwriting Guide: How to Write a Song in 5 Steps
How to Sell Merch and Music at Shows Without Being ‘Sales-y’
4 Foolproof Ways to Sell More Merch at Your Shows
Liner Notes: Songwriting and selling more merch at shows 🎶
ResourcesThe Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twi...
Next Episode

303 Donations As A Monetization Option For Indie Musicians
This episode of The Unstarving Musician explores how independent musicians can effectively use donations as a viable income stream. The conversation covers:
- The historical precedent and modern relevance of fan support
- Crafting compelling donation requests
- Popular donation platforms and payment options
- Creating a dedicated donation page
- Offering incentives to encourage support
- Tips for successful crowdfunding campaigns
Whether you're just starting out or looking to diversify your income, this episode provides practical strategies to engage your fanbase and help sustain your musical journey through donations. Learn how to communicate your needs, maintain transparency, and build stronger connections with your audience while supporting your artistic endeavors.
Get the FREE companion download for this episode!
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related EpisodesFREE episode companion download
House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis
We Are All Musicians Now – Zack O’Malley Greenburg (Ep 226)
ResourcesThe Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
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