Looking to get in the Music Business as a Indie Artist? Read This First..By: Lordikim

To all my fellow independent songwriters/producers I urge you to never allow sites like Tunecore.com, CDbaby.com, revernation.com, etc. to administer your publishing.  They are all thieves.  All of them.  They will stealyour money and it's nothing you can do about it.  They are only good for getting you on itunes, Spodify, Padora, etc..and for monetizing your youtube videos on your youtube account so that you can get paid off your views.  If you are releasing your music independent set up your own website and sell it through there.  Have your fans buy directly from you.  And prior to your music being released/published you should set up a BMI, ASCAP or SESAC account to keep track of your spins/plays.  That's it.  Don't ever....I repeat ever allow anyone to administer your publishing (especially if they're not paying you) or you will be ripped off without a shadow of doubt.  Publishing and owning your Masters are King in the music business.  Never forget that.  Once you sign a contract that allows someone to administer your publishing you will get screwed. 

Hip-Hop Artist Zues better known as Lordikim

Let me give you an example.  Say you have a really good record and a company wants to use your song in a movie/video game/TV show, etc.  You'll get paid a Masters fee, a publishers fee and a songwriting/producers fee.  If you sign over your administrative rights then the person you signed it over to is not obligated to show you the deal and can hide income from you because he no longer needs your signature to close the deal since you already gave him the rights to administer your publishing rights for you.  If you don't sign over those rights then your signature is needed which means you get to see the contracts.  Most companies won't do business with you unless you allow them to administer your publishing and in that case you should have it put in writing that you "must see every deal/contract or it's a breach of contract.  Only a person that's trying to get over on you will not want you to see the contract.  Peace!!!