Publishers – Lawyers, partners
The People Who Help You Build
Making music is personal. But growing a career — building a label, protecting your rights, and expanding your reach — takes more than talent. It takes people: collaborators, advisors, and professionals who understand how to protect, amplify, and support your vision.
Whether you’re independent or just starting to grow, here’s a guide to the key roles that can help — and when you might need them.
1. Music Publisher
Protects and monetizes your compositions (songs, not recordings).
A music publisher helps you collect royalties, pitch your songs for sync (TV, film, ads), and register your works with global rights organizations. If you’re writing music — even instrumental or sample-based work — a publisher ensures you’re not leaving money on the table.
What they do:
- Register your works worldwide
- Collect mechanical and performance royalties
- Pitch your music for film/TV placements (sync)
- Administer co-writes and split sheets
- Manage licensing and copyright conflicts
When to seek one:
- You have multiple releases out
- Your music is getting streamed, performed, or synced
- You collaborate with others and need admin clarity
- You want to license your music globally
Alternatives if DIY:
- Songtrust, Sentric, TuneCore Publishing, or direct registration with your local PRO
2. Music Lawyer (Entertainment Lawyer)
Protects your rights and negotiates your deals.
A music lawyer is more than legal muscle — they’re a translator between art and contracts. They help ensure that your agreements (with labels, distributors, publishers, managers, or collaborators) are fair, clear, and in your best interest.
What they do:
- Draft or review contracts (label, P&D, publishing, sync, collabs)
- Handle copyright disputes
- Help you set up your label or business legally
- Negotiate terms on your behalf
- Advise on rights, splits, sampling, trademarks
When to hire one:
- You’re signing anything long-term or high-stakes
- You’re collaborating across borders or with money involved
- You’re building a label or collective and need legal structure
Tip: Look for lawyers who specialize in music and creative industries, not just general business law.
3. Business Manager / Accountant
Helps you track income, taxes, and financial planning.
Money in music can be unpredictable — multiple revenue streams, irregular payouts, and currency exchange. A financial partner can help you organize your business, so you don’t get lost in the numbers.
What they do:
- Track royalties and income from various platforms
- Set up tax ID numbers (esp. for labels or bands)
- Help with budgeting for projects or tours
- Assist in royalty splits and reporting for collaborators
- Plan for savings, grants, investments
When to consider one:
- You’re earning income from multiple sources (music, merch, gigs, sync)
- You want to register your label as a business
- You pay or receive money internationally
4. Label Manager / Project Manager
Coordinates releases, promotion, and deadlines.
If you’re running a label or releasing complex projects, you might need someone to help keep everything on track and moving forward.
What they do:
- Coordinate between artists, designers, mastering, press, and distributors
- Organize timelines and launch plans
- Handle metadata, artwork delivery, and assets
- Manage promo cycles and communications
- Act as the “glue” behind each release
When to seek one:
- You’re juggling multiple releases or artists
- You’re collaborating across countries or time zones
- You want to focus on creativity while someone handles logistics
5. Sync Agent / Licensing Rep
Gets your music into film, TV, ads, games, and more.
Sync is a powerful way to earn money and exposure. A sync agent actively pitches your music to music supervisors and negotiates deals.
What they do:
- Build relationships with supervisors and ad agencies
- Pitch your tracks to specific briefs
- Negotiate sync fees and usage terms
- Handle cue sheets and licensing paperwork
When to find one:
- Your music is cinematic, emotional, or mood-driven
- You’ve had a sync before and want to grow
- You want someone actively placing your music in media
6. Manager / Creative Advisor
A partner in your long-term vision and decisions.
A great manager isn’t just about bookings. They help shape your career — creatively, strategically, and emotionally.
What they do:
- Help define your direction and growth
- Connect you with collaborators, festivals, curators
- Negotiate deals, fees, and timelines
- Keep your project focused and consistent
- Handle admin while you focus on art
When to seek one:
- You’re overwhelmed by opportunity or admin
- You want to level up your strategy
- Someone already supports you informally — maybe it’s time to formalize
7. Community Partners & Networks
Scene is strength — partnerships go beyond business.
Not every ally wears a suit. Some of the best partners are radio hosts, zine editors, curators, grant writers, bookers, and collectives who believe in your work and amplify it organically.
How to build this network:
- Attend local shows, residencies, or listening sessions
- Exchange support (help curate, organize, host)
- Offer your skills to others (visuals, sound, design, etc.)
- Don’t chase followers — build trust and shared language
Your strongest partnerships often grow slowly and relationally.
Conclusion: Don’t Go It Alone
Yes, music can be solitary. But your career doesn’t have to be.
Surround yourself with people who know more than you, care as much as you do, and protect your work as if it were theirs. Choose partners who see your value, not just your numbers.
Because building a sustainable music path isn’t just about having the right sound — it’s about having the right support system.
