Release of Joint Strategic Plan from IPEC

As NMPA (National Music Publishers' Association) President and CEO said, "Songwriters are some of America's smallest businesses. When their work is illegally used or undervalued it can be disastrous and career ending."

Since the high cost of bringing infringement claims under current copyright law is out of reach for many of these small businesses, the Copyright Office is looking at potential legal remedies for "small copyright claims." Expect to see the results of its Small Claims Study in the fall of 2013.

Enter The November/December 2013 Lyric Contest - American Songwriter

Songwriters, enter American Songwriter’s “Dream Co-Write" competition for a chance to win a co-writing session with country hit maker, Lee Brice!

From American Songwriter:

"We are currently accepting entries for the November/December 2013 Lyric Contest. Deadline is September 15 at Midnight. Enter now for your chance to win a… 2013 "€œDream Co-Write"€ with hit songwriter and recording artist Lee Brice Professional Demo Session (1 song) at Omni Sound Studios Round-Trip Flight to Nashville (domestic only) Gibson Hummingbird Guitar Legendary..."

Read more HERE. 

With So Many Hits, It's No Wonder BMG Re-Signed Hillary Lindsey

Hit songwriter Hillary Lindsey has penned some of the biggest songs in country music including "American Honey," "This One's for the Girls," and "Jesus Take the Wheel," to name a few.

According to Music Row Magazine:

"Songwriter Hillary Lindsey has re-signed her administration agreement with BMG Chrysalis US."

Admin deals are here to stay for top songwriters. Next generation administration tools like those used by BMG Chrysalis' Income Tracking Team and Kobalt Music's Kobalt System and dashboard for artist and label services continue to push the envelope. These innovations are great for providing transparent royalty collection for musical work copyright owners, as well as, sound recording copyright owners. But, how will these innovations shape the role of music publishers in the future? For hit songwriters who don't need much more than a place to send royalty checks, what will drive songwriters to choose one publishing administrator over another?

Look for future posts further exploring this topic.