The New Music Business with Ari Herstand
How Publishing Works and Songwriters Get Paid
Apr 23, 2025
Jacob Paul, VP of Platform Growth & Brand Strategy at Kobalt and the mind behind KOSIGN, dives deep into the evolution of music publishing. He explains how Kobalt is changing the game for songwriters, emphasizing the importance of understanding payment systems. Jacob highlights the crucial differences between artists and songwriters, and why having an admin publisher can enhance a songwriter's revenue. He also outlines how creators can avoid leaving money on the table as they navigate the complex landscape of royalties and publishing rights.
01:07:51
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Kobalt’s KOSIGN platform innovatively disrupts traditional publishing by offering administrative efficiency and transparency for songwriters.
- Understanding the difference between distribution and publishing royalties is crucial for artists to avoid losing significant income.
Deep dives
Understanding Music Distribution and Publishing
Music distribution requires artists to utilize a distributor, which is responsible for making sure their records get on streaming platforms and paying out master royalties. However, it’s crucial to recognize that distributors do not handle publishing royalties, which can lead to significant revenue loss for artists if they are unaware of this distinction. Many musicians might think they're doing everything right when they see a substantial number of monthly listeners, yet they might be neglecting to collect their publishing income entirely. This lack of awareness can leave money on the table, highlighting the importance of understanding both distribution and publishing rights.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
