List of Music Publishers

There are many music publishers in the world, but some of the largest and most well-known include:

• Sony/ATV Music Publishing
• Warner Chappell Music
• Universal Music Publishing Group
• BMG Rights Management
• Kobalt Music Group
• peermusic
• Downtown Music Publishing
• Imagem Music
• Reservoir Media Management
• Music Sales Corporation
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It’s worth noting that these are not ranked in any specific order, and the music publishing industry is always changing and evolving.

It’s challenging to estimate the exact number of music publishers in the US because the figure is constantly subject to change as new businesses are established and older ones merge or go out of business. But many sizable music publishers, including some of the most well-known and prosperous publishers in the world, are based in the United States. Numerous indie music companies and self-published artists also call it home.

Around 4,000, according to the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA). This kind of information is monitored by the NMPA, a trade group that represents music publishers and songwriters in the US.This number is the active music publisher’s members of the organization and it may not include all the publishing companies based in USA.

The three biggest music publishers in the world, based on market share, are Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, and Universal Music Publishing Group.

1. Sony/ATV Music Publishing: Sony/ATV is a joint venture between Sony Corporation and the estate of Michael Jackson, and is one of the largest music publishers in the world. It owns or administers the rights to a vast catalog of songs, including many of the biggest hits of all time.

2. Warner Chappell Music: Warner Chappell is a division of Warner Music Group, and is one of the leading music publishers in the world. It owns or controls the rights to a wide range of songs, from classic hits to contemporary chart-toppers.

3. Universal Music Publishing Group: Universal Music Publishing Group is a division of Universal Music Group, and is one of the largest and most successful music publishers in the world. It owns or controls the rights to a vast catalog of songs, including many of the biggest hits of all time.

It’s worth noting that these companies are regularly changing and evolving so their market shares and positions might change overtime. Also, depending on the context and sources the ranking may differ.

It’s challenging to identify the “best” music publisher because what works well for one individual or musician might not be the perfect fit for another. It may rely on things like the genre of music you produce, your artistic objectives, and your personal tastes.

When selecting a music publisher, it’s crucial to do your homework, carefully weigh your options, and evaluate which publisher will be the greatest fit for your requirements.

Some things to consider when choosing a publisher include:

• The publisher’s reputation and track record
• The size and reach of the publisher’s catalog
• The publisher’s ability to exploit your music
• The publisher’s terms and contracts
• The publisher’s resources and distribution channels
• The publisher’s catalog and what type of music does it have

 
Many artists also work with several publishers for various forms of exploitation, including territorial publication, digital streaming, and sync placements.

To get a sense of what to anticipate, it’s a good idea to speak with other songwriters and artists who have worked with various publishers in the past.

The publisher who is most committed to supporting your success as an artist and who has the best understanding of your requirements and aspirations will ultimately be that publisher for you.

DistroKid is a digital distribution service, but it is not a traditional music publisher.

Traditional music publishers frequently serve as a liaison between the artist and the various organizations that make use of music, including record labels, streaming services, and production houses for film and television. A publisher will support the recording of the songwriter’s music, obtain sync placement, and sub-publish in various markets. Additionally, they will negotiate licensing agreements and assist with royalties collection on the artist’s behalf.

DistroKid, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with assisting independent musicians in getting their music into a variety of online music stores and streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. It gives musicians a simple way to post their music and make it accessible for purchase or streaming across numerous platforms. Additionally, it offers a few extra capabilities including YouTube Content ID, SoundScan tracking, and ISRC codes.

However, DistroKid recently added a few services to their service that are connected to publishing, like YouTube Monetization, sync licensing, and royalties collection for lyrics, cover art, and other information. However, it does not include all of the services offered by a traditional publisher.

The cost of hiring a music publisher can vary greatly depending on the specific services offered and the level of experience of the publisher.

While some publishers may accept a flat price in exchange for their services, others may take a cut of the money made from the usage of the protected content. A publisher may also charge extra fees for particular services like licensing, distribution, and promotion. It is difficult to provide a definite estimate without learning more about your unique position and needs, but generally, it is a negotiable transaction and can range from a few hundred to few thousands of dollars.

The five major music publishers, sometimes referred to as the “big five,” are:

1. Sony/ATV Music Publishing: Sony/ATV is the largest music publisher in the world, with a catalog that includes songs by artists such as The Beatles, Taylor Swift, and Michael Jackson.
2. Universal Music Publishing Group: UMPG is the second-largest music publisher in the world and represents artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Elton John, and U2.
3. Warner Chappell Music: Warner Chappell is the publishing arm of Warner Music Group and represents a wide range of artists and songwriters including Ed Sheeran, Neil Young, and Led Zeppelin.
4. Kobalt Music: Kobalt is an independent publisher that represents a diverse range of artists, including Paul McCartney, Nick Cave, and Dave Grohl.
5. BMG Rights Management: BMG is an independent music publisher that represents artists such as The Rolling Stones, Kylie Minogue and Elvis Presley, with a catalog that includes more than 2.5 million songs.

Be aware that while these are the most well-known and significant businesses, there are numerous more independent and smaller publishers. The current classification of the “big five” may alter in the future because the industry changes, mergers occur, or acquisitions can occur.

A music publisher and a record label are two different entities that play distinct roles in the music industry.

A corporation known as a music publisher is the one that has the rights to the tunes and compositions that songwriters and composers have created. They are in charge of seeing to it that the songwriters and composers receive payment for the use of their compositions, which includes granting permission for the songs to be used in movies, TV shows, commercials, and other types of media. Additionally, they assist songwriters and composers with career administration and promotion of their creative output.

On the other hand, a record label is a business that is largely in charge of the creation, promotion, and distribution of audio recordings. They are in charge of finding bands and musicians, funding the recording of their songs, and publicizing the artists. Additionally, they manage the music’s physical and digital distribution and collaborate with shops and streaming platforms to make the music accessible to the general public.

It is conceivable for the same business or person to perform the jobs of both a record label and a music publisher, although this is not often the case. In the music business, both positions have different responsibilities and areas of focus.

As a songwriter, you do not need to have a publisher to have your songs heard or to make money from them. However, having a publisher can help you to better promote and monetize your songs.

A music publisher can assist you in getting your songs into different media, including movies, TV series, and commercials, to boost their exposure and revenue potential. Additionally, they can aid in putting your music in front of musicians and record labels that might be interested in recording it.
A publisher will also handle administrative duties like collecting royalties and seeing to it that you are compensated for the use of your songs.

On the other side, some composers choose not to work with a publisher in favor of self-publishing and keeping ownership of their music. They will be responsible for handling the licensing and administrative procedures. For songwriters who are knowledgeable about the music business and have the tools to properly promote their songs, this can be a wonderful alternative.

Your aspirations as a songwriter, your knowledge of the music business, and your willingness to tackle the administrative and promotional chores involved with promoting and selling your songs will all play a role in whether or not you decide to work with a publisher. Before choosing a choice, it’s wise to do some research and weigh your possibilities.