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AudioWave Records Publishing: Protecting Your Music, Maximising Your Earnings

  • Writer: AudioWave Records
    AudioWave Records
  • Oct 14
  • 5 min read

When you create a track — whether you’re a producer, songwriter, vocalist, or composer — you’re not just making music. You’re creating intellectual property. And that property has value.


But in order to protect, monetise, and collect income from your compositions worldwide, you need one crucial piece of the industry puzzle: music publishing.

At AudioWave Records, we believe that every artist should understand their rights and earn fairly for their work. That’s why we handle publishing transparently, efficiently, and in a way that keeps ownership and control in the hands of the creator.


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What Is Music Publishing?


Music publishing refers to the ownership, administration, and monetisation of the songwriting side of music — that is, the composition, not the recording.

Every song has two parts:


  1. The Composition — the melody, lyrics, chords, and musical idea (owned by the songwriter or composer).

  2. The Sound Recording (Master) — the recorded performance of that composition (often owned by the label or artist).


Publishing ensures that songwriters, producers, and composers get paid whenever their music is:


  • Streamed or downloaded

  • Played on radio or TV

  • Performed live

  • Used in a film, advert, or video game

  • Played in a club, restaurant, or public space


In short: publishing is how you collect the money your music earns from being played, performed, or reproduced.


Why Publishing Matters


Without publishing representation, a large portion of your income simply goes uncollected.

Here’s why it’s essential:


🎵 1. You Get Paid for Every UsePublishing ensures that every time your music is used — from a Spotify stream to a YouTube sync — the correct royalties are tracked and paid to you.

💡 2. Global ReachYour music may be played in countries you’ve never visited. Publishing allows you to collect royalties from international performance rights organisations (PROs) worldwide.

🧾 3. Legal ProtectionPublishing administration protects your compositions from unauthorised use and plagiarism, ensuring your work is registered and credited properly.

💰 4. Long-Term IncomeUnlike upfront payments or streaming royalties, publishing income continues for years — often decades — after release.

👥 5. Collaboration ClarityPublishing also defines who owns what portion of a song, ensuring all co-writers and producers are properly credited and compensated.


Who Needs Publishing?


Almost everyone who contributes creatively to a song needs publishing.

If you are:


  • A producer who creates the instrumental

  • A vocalist who writes the lyrics or melody

  • A composer of musical arrangements

  • A songwriter crafting hooks, toplines, or verses

  • A DJ/artist creating original compositions


Then you are entitled to publishing royalties.


Even if you already receive income from streaming (your master rights), you are still missing out on a second, completely separate revenue stream if your publishing isn’t properly managed.


How AudioWave Records Handles Publishing


AudioWave Records manages publishing in-house, ensuring that every signed track is properly registered, tracked, and monetised worldwide — without the confusion or costly middlemen that many artists face.


Here’s how it works:


1. Registration


When your track is signed to AudioWave Records, the publishing team registers your composition with all major global collection societies and performing rights organisations (PROs).

This includes UK bodies such as PRS for Music and MCPS, as well as their international affiliates, so that no matter where your music is played, royalties are accounted for.


2. Rights Administration


AudioWave’s publishing administration ensures your rights are protected across every platform and territory.This includes:


  • Registering song splits (who owns what percentage of the composition)

  • Managing mechanical and performance royalties

  • Submitting works to databases and digital identifiers (ISWC, IPI, etc.)

  • Maintaining accurate metadata for all releases


This is crucial because incorrect or missing data can result in lost income — a common issue for independent artists.


3. Royalty Collection


Once registered, AudioWave’s publishing network monitors and collects income from:


  • Streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, etc.)

  • Broadcasts (radio, TV, podcasts, etc.)

  • Live performances (festivals, gigs, club sets)

  • Sync licensing (film, advertising, games, content creators)

  • Mechanical sales (downloads, physical copies)


The royalties are consolidated, processed, and distributed directly to the artist, with full breakdowns available in periodic reports.


4. Sync Licensing & Creative Opportunities


Beyond royalty collection, AudioWave’s publishing department also seeks out sync opportunities — placements for your music in visual media such as:


  • Film and TV

  • Advertising campaigns

  • Gaming and virtual experiences

  • Social media and influencer collaborations


This not only generates additional income but also expands your reach to new audiences worldwide.


5. Transparent Reporting


AudioWave is committed to transparency.All publishing income is itemised clearly, showing where it was earned, how it was collected, and what percentage belongs to you.There are no hidden deductions, no confusing legal jargon — just honest, artist-friendly publishing administration.


Publishing vs. Distribution — What’s the Difference?


This is a common source of confusion. Here’s the distinction:

Publishing

Distribution

Covers the composition (songwriting rights)

Covers the sound recording (master rights)

Royalties from radio, sync, performance, etc.

Royalties from streaming, downloads, and sales

Managed by publishing administrators / PROs

Managed by record labels or distributors

Paid to songwriters, producers, composers

Paid to recording artists and labels

Many artists only collect from one side (usually distribution), missing out on the other — meaning they could be losing up to 50% of potential earnings.


What Makes AudioWave’s Publishing Different


🎯 Artist-Focused AdministrationAudioWave manages publishing in-house, meaning faster turnaround times and fewer third-party deductions.

💼 Global RegistrationYour work is registered across international networks through direct partnerships and PRO affiliates.

🔍 Full TransparencyArtists receive clear reporting and retain full ownership of their copyrights.

💡 Sync OpportunitiesAudioWave actively pitches select releases to sync agencies, filmmakers, and advertisers for creative placement.

🤝 Integrated with Label ServicesPublishing is handled alongside distribution, mastering, and playlisting — giving you a complete professional infrastructure.


Why Every Artist Needs a Publishing Partner


Managing publishing independently is possible — but complex.It involves registrations, licensing, royalty tracking, and legal compliance across multiple organisations and countries.

By partnering with a label like AudioWave Records, you gain:


  • Professional administration without losing ownership

  • Global reach through established publishing networks

  • Peace of mind that your rights and earnings are protected


Publishing turns your creativity into sustainability — making your art not just heard, but valued.


At AudioWave Records, we believe that every note, lyric, and beat you create deserves proper recognition and reward.


Our publishing service is designed to protect your music, simplify the business side, and ensure that your compositions generate income long after release — all while keeping you in full control of your rights.


So whether you’re a songwriter, producer, or performer, remember this:your track doesn’t just sound good — it’s an asset. And with AudioWave Records, that asset is protected, registered, and ready to work for you.

 
 
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