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Friday, July 11th
Easy Song originated as a mobile recording service catering to churches, schools, and community groups in 2005. After producing several high-caliber albums, their focus shifted towards securing legal licenses for the cover songs they crafted, demonstrating their prowess in music licensing. With a desire to extend their expertise to others, they launched Easy Song in 2007, making their services accessible to the general public. As a music licensing enterprise, Easy Song boasts a satisfied customer base of over 125,000 individuals.
Features focus on publication over distribution
For independent musicians looking to license their songs, Easy Song assists in music publishing, guaranteeing you retain your right to your music at all times. Easy Song partners with platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok. But, it's important to note this seems like a smaller list than several of Easy Song's competitors. Some of the key features of Easy Song include:
UI and process feels old-fashioned
Upon accessing Easy Song Licensing, you can swiftly initiate the process by answering questions about your project and the intended songs for licensing. The choice to proceed with immediate purchase or await their research is yours, followed by online or phone credit card payment. It is important to note that many of the aspects of Easy Song, like paying via phone call, feel outdated. Further, the website itself has a less-than-polished appearance, which might raise concerns for new and modern artists.
High cost and higher royalties than comps
There's only one publishing price available at Easy Song. The company charges a one-time fee of $99 for their song publishing services. This includes their work to handle all licensing, their promise to present your music to their customers "when appropriate” and handle all the copyrights for you (though there could be additional fees here). For royalties, Easy Song retains 25% of the collected royalties while the artist retains 75%. This percentage is lower than what's typically associated with conventional publishing deals (which range from 35% to 50% of royalties to the publisher) but higher than the offerings at many competing services in our review. The greatest benefit of Easy Song is that artists maintain complete ownership of their works and have the liberty to cancel their engagement with Easy Song at any point.
Broad registration coverage
In terms of how Easy Song helps you get your music out there, it mostly focuses on copyright and licensing. However, they will present your work to their partners. The company handles the registration of your creations with both the United States Copyright Office and numerous performing rights organizations and royalty collection agencies worldwide. This broad coverage ensures you receive various new royalties including global performance and mechanical royalties, income from platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and more.
Lackluster apporach
In the near future, Easy Song plans to release the Easy Song Marketplace where you can list your music, lyrics, and audio recordings for licensing, allowing you to generate income by granting permission for usage. On the other hand, compared to other more proactive sites, Easy Song feels a little lackluster. The company even describes itself as a "watchful guardian” of your catalog. So, if you're looking for a place that will work to get your music out there, this might not be the top option.
No buzz for Easy Song
While we'd love to be able to say one way or another what users think, there just aren't enough reviews out there for Easy Song. This is surprising for a platform that's been in business since 2005. However, we did find Easy Song's page on the Better Business Bureau, and the score is outstanding. The company holds an "A+” rating and accreditation with the BBB. But keep in mind, there are no reviews for the service on the BBB page either, so we're not sure what contributed to that high rating overall.
Not "now” enough for modern artists
If publishing and copyrights are all you want, Easy Song might be for you. However, if you're a musician who's really gunning for distribution and getting "seen” by music lovers across the globe, Easy Song is a bit too slow and steady for your needs. While they have great services for copyrighting and licensing, and generally handling all the messy stuff, they don't stand out with their royalty payouts or their distribution plans. So, you might want to keep browsing for something that feels a little more in touch with today's music industry.
Online music publishing companies have experienced a meteoric rise in popularity due to a number of factors that have reshaped the music industry landscape. These platforms have not only revolutionized the way music is distributed, but have also provided a crucial bridge between artists and their audience.
One of the key reasons behind the widespread adoption of online music publishing companies is the democratization of the music industry. In the past, breaking into the music scene required significant financial backing, access to recording studios, and connections within the industry. However, online platforms have leveled the playing field, allowing independent artists to showcase their talent without the need for a traditional record label.
This democratization has led to a diverse array of music being accessible to a global audience, fostering a more inclusive and varied musical landscape.
The advent of digital technology has also played a pivotal role in the popularity of online music publishing companies. With the rise of streaming services and digital downloads, music has become more accessible than ever before. These platforms offer a convenient and instantaneous way for listeners to discover and enjoy a vast catalog of music across genres. The ease of access has not only broadened the audience for established artists, but has also provided emerging talents with a platform to gain recognition.
Furthermore, online music publishing companies have redefined the concept of music discovery. Through sophisticated algorithms and personalized recommendations, these platforms introduce listeners to new artists and genres based on their preferences. This dynamic approach to music discovery has created a more engaged and adventurous audience, willing to explore a wide range of musical styles beyond mainstream offerings. As a result, artists who might have struggled to find a niche in traditional channels now have the opportunity to connect with a receptive audience eager for diverse sounds.
Modern music publishers play a crucial role in the music industry by bridging the gap between artists and their audiences. These companies specialize in the business side of music, handling tasks such as licensing, distribution, promotion, and monetization. Music publishers serve as intermediaries between songwriters, composers, and performers, ensuring that their creative works reach a wide audience.
In today's digital age, music publishers have evolved to adapt to changing technologies and consumption habits. They work closely with streaming platforms, social media networks, and digital stores to ensure that music is accessible across various online channels. These publishers have a deep understanding of copyright laws and licensing agreements, enabling them to negotiate fair deals for their artists.
Music publishers help artists navigate the complex landscape of rights management and intellectual property protection, allowing musicians to focus on their craft while the publishers handle the business aspects. Additionally, they provide valuable insights into market trends and audience preferences, helping musicians tailor their content for maximum impact.
Music publishers offer a range of services that are immensely useful for both established artists and newcomers to the industry. For established musicians, publishers provide a broader reach and help maintain a consistent presence in the ever-expanding digital music landscape. So whether you're an emerging artist or a musician with a longtime career, a music publisher can offer support to fit your needs with legal concerns, promotion of your work, or even just some industry advice. Whether through traditional publishing, self-publishing, or a hybrid model, the world of modern music publishing offers a range of opportunities for artists to showcase their talents and connect with audiences worldwide.
If you're on the lookout for a place to publish your tunes, where can you go? Fortunately, there are tons of music publishers available online, designed to cater to your unique musical needs. Whether you're looking to publish pop, rock, metal, or synth-wave hits, there's a publisher out there that fits the bill. If you don't know where to start, don't worry. We've compiled a set of criteria to help you narrow down the options and find the perfect fit for your musical journey:
Here are some factors you should consider when choosing a music publishing company:
Top Consumer Reviews has assessed and ranked the best online music publishing services to help you find the right spot to take your tunes and turn them into a platinum record. Whether you're seeking help with new music at the beginning of your journey, or you need an experienced publisher to support your career to the top of the charts, the right music publisher is out there waiting for you. We hope this helps you take the stress out of publishing and get back to what you love: making amazing music.
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