Distributor vs. PRO vs. Publisher

Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/leahjude Distributor vs. PRO vs. Publisher "Distributor," "PRO" (Performance Rights Organization), and "Publisher" are terms commonly used in the music industry, and they refer to different entities with distinct roles. Let's break down each term: Distributor: A distributor is a company or service that helps artists and record labels get their music into various online and offline stores. Their primary role is to handle the logistics of delivering music to platforms like iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and more. They ensure that the music is available for purchase or streaming across a wide range of outlets. Distributors may offer additional services such as marketing, promotion, and analytics, but their core function is the distribution of music. PRO (Performance Rights Organization): A PRO is an organization that collects and distributes royalties for the public performance of musical works. When a song is performed in public (on the radio, in a live venue, on television, etc.), the PRO tracks these performances and ensures that the songwriters and publishers are compensated for the use of their work. Examples of PROs include ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers), BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.), and SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers). Publisher: A music publisher is a company or individual that manages the rights to musical compositions. Publishers often work with songwriters to promote their music, license their songs for various uses (such as in movies, TV shows, commercials), and collect royalties on their behalf. They may also provide administrative support, helping with tasks like copyright registration, negotiation of licensing deals, and collection of performance royalties. Publishers may have their own catalogs of music or work on behalf of individual songwriters. In summary, while distributors focus on getting music into the hands of consumers through various platforms, PROs handle the collection and distribution of performance royalties, and publishers manage the rights and commercial use of musical compositions. Artists and songwriters may work with all three types of entities to ensure their music is properly distributed, promoted, and monetized. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leahjude/support