What a music publisher does and why you need one

If you make music, at some point someone told you that you should "find a publisher." But what exactly does a music publisher do? And more importantly: is it the same thing as a record label?

No. They are two different jobs. And confusing them can cost you dearly.

The label produces, the publisher administers

A record label handles the recording: it funds or co-funds production, distributes the master (the finished audio file), and promotes the release. It owns or co-owns the rights to the recording (the master).

A music publisher handles the composition: it administers the publishing rights of the song (lyrics and music), registers them with SIAE or other collecting societies, collects royalties generated by usage, and seeks synchronization opportunities (film, TV, commercials, video games).

In short: the label works on the sound, the publisher works on the song.

What a publisher actually does

• Registers works with SIAE and equivalent foreign collecting societies
• Collects royalties generated by radio, TV, streaming, live performances, covers
• Pitches songs for synchronization in audiovisual productions
• Negotiates licenses with anyone who wants to use your music
• Manages sub-publishing abroad (if your song is used in another country, someone needs to collect that money for you)
• Monitors that no one uses your music without authorization

What a publisher does NOT do

A publisher does not produce your record, does not pay for your recording, does not organize your concerts, does not manage your social media. It is not a manager and it is not a label. If someone offers you a publishing contract that includes all these services, read it very carefully.

When you need a publisher

If you write original songs and your music is being listened to (streaming, radio, live), you are generating publishing royalties. Without a publisher, SIAE collects those royalties and pays them directly to you, but only the Italian ones. If your song is used abroad, or ends up in an audiovisual production, without a publisher that money could be lost.

Furthermore, without a publisher no one actively pitches your songs for sync. And sync, for an independent artist, is often the most tangible source of income after live performance.

How to choose a publisher

Not all publishers work the same way. Before signing, ask yourself:

• Do they have an active network of contacts with music supervisors and productions?
• What is the contract duration? (Be wary of contracts longer than 3 years without exit clauses)
• What percentage do they retain? (The standard ranges from 20% to 40%)
• What happens if they generate no placements in 12-18 months?
• Can I see a report of activities performed?

A good publisher is not the one who promises you the most. It is the one who shows you what they have done for their artists.

Mhodì Music Publishing

Mhodì Music Publishing is the publishing division of Mhodì Music Company. We administer works, negotiate synchronization licenses, represent foreign publishers in Italy, and manage relationships with SIAE. Our artists access publishing.mhodi.com, a portal where they monitor royalties, statements, sync usage, and registered works in real time.

If you want to learn more about our publishing work, visit the Publishing page.