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I just had a song forwarded to a music library that is going to be on my upcoming album. This music library is exclusive. Does that only mean I can not put it in another music library - or does it mean that the library would get a piece of ALL action on this song such as the publisher's share of radio play royalties? If it's the latter, I'll pass on this deal.

I'm assuming it would also mean that I couldn't pitch it directly to a music supervisor after it does into the library, right?

ErichPP wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 01, 2022 2:07 pm

I just had a song forwarded to a music library that is going to be on my upcoming album. This music library is exclusive. Does that only mean I can not put it in another music library - or does it mean that the library would get a piece of ALL action on this song such as the publisher's share of radio play royalties? If it's the latter, I'll pass on this deal.

I'm assuming it would also mean that I couldn't pitch it directly to a music supervisor after it does into the library, right?

What kind of publishing share they get depends on the particular contract (usually 100%), but exclusive means exclusive. You cannot do anything else with it.

If you submitted it to a listing that explicitly stated that this was an exclusive library, and then they want it, and you won't give it to them because it is exclusive, they might be p1$$ed at you. So, hopefully, you won't be interested in further business with them or any of the businesses they are talking to.

Tom

ErichPP wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 01, 2022 2:07 pm

I just had a song forwarded to a music library that is going to be on my upcoming album. This music library is exclusive. Does that only mean I can not put it in another music library - or does it mean that the library would get a piece of ALL action on this song such as the publisher's share of radio play royalties? If it's the latter, I'll pass on this deal.

I'm assuming it would also mean that I couldn't pitch it directly to a music supervisor after it does into the library, right?

This varies from library to library. Some exclusive libraries only want the exclusivity to be only with respect to sync placements and are fine with you doing other things-- streaming, CDs, downloads, etc. Others do not allow this and their exclusiveness includes everything. In either case, you would not be able to pitch to a music supervisor on your own unless you cleared it with them and let the sup know they are the publisher and contact point.

Do you really expect radio royalties? They are pretty hard to come by unless your song is a major hit. Again, this varies from library to library and you need to check the contract and ask them. If the library is registering your song under original title, it would be hard to differentiate what they get the publisher's share on or not. Some exclusive libraries re-title your song by adding a tag to the original title such is "ISB Beautiful Day" for a song titled "Beautiful Day". This differentiates their registration for publishing vs. your own. Others don't. Check the contract and have the conversation with them.

HTH
Casey

The best answer may be to keep your artist and your sync projects separate to each other. Or if you only want to do artist music then find a sync agent to represent your work.

cosmicdolphin wrote: ↑

Thu Jun 02, 2022 2:11 pm

The best answer may be to keep your artist and your sync projects separate to each other. Or if you only want to do artist music then find a sync agent to represent your work.

That is definitely a valid approach. Songs for Film/TV are not always the same as those as artists. Lyrical contact has to be more universal for Film/TV and as an artist, you don't have to be as concerned with who you sound like (the infamous "a la").

I want to mention though that I work with 2 excellent Taxi-friendly exclusive libraries who let you do anything you want non-sync with the songs they sign.

Best,
Casey

Thank you for the replies, everyone. On a different note, if I pitch a song from my album directly to a music supervisor, is that a different story - where it can exist in my PRO account as both writer and publisher but still be able to have it appear in TV or film for specific projects?

ErichPP wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 03, 2022 6:13 am

Thank you for the replies, everyone. On a different note, if I pitch a song from my album directly to a music supervisor, is that a different story - where it can exist in my PRO account as both writer and publisher but still be able to have it appear in TV or film for specific projects?

You can not pitch your song directly to music sups if you sign your song to an exclusive library. You *might* be able to if you (1) Get their permission and (2) Make sure they get the publishing as they own that for any sync related activity (at the minimum) but don't count on that.

Bottom line: I would not sign a a song to an exclusive library if you want to do continue to pitch on your own for sync. Decide what your priority is for the song and go that direction.

Casey

Casey H wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 03, 2022 6:46 am

You can not pitch your song directly to music sups if you sign your song to an exclusive library. You *might* be able to if you (1) Get their permission and (2) Make sure they get the publishing as they own that for any sync related activity (at the minimum) but don't count on that.

Bottom line: I would not sign a a song to an exclusive library if you want to do continue to pitch on your own for sync. Decide what your priority is for the song and go that direction.

Casey

I recognize this is an old post, but... what about the duration of the exclusive deals? I mean, when it's not specified otherwise.. are they always in perpetuity?
Many thanks
Andrea

sINGLEhANDED wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:02 am

Casey H wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 03, 2022 6:46 am

You can not pitch your song directly to music sups if you sign your song to an exclusive library. You *might* be able to if you (1) Get their permission and (2) Make sure they get the publishing as they own that for any sync related activity (at the minimum) but don't count on that.

Bottom line: I would not sign a a song to an exclusive library if you want to do continue to pitch on your own for sync. Decide what your priority is for the song and go that direction.

Casey

I recognize this is an old post, but... what about the duration of the exclusive deals? I mean, when it's not specified otherwise.. are they always in perpetuity?
Many thanks
Andrea

It varies. Some are in perpetuity, others have reversion options after N years (i.e 3 years, 5 years). Libraries that distribute internationally with sub-publishers are always in perpetuity. Once the tracks are out there there is no way to "take them back". And they wouldn't want some sub-publisher to express interest in a track 5-6 years after the deal was done only to be told, "Sorry, that's not available anymore". Bad for business.

HTH
Casey

Casey H wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:46 am

It varies. Some are in perpetuity, others have reversion options after N years (i.e 3 years, 5 years). Libraries that distribute internationally with sub-publishers are always in perpetuity. Once the tracks are out there there is no way to "take them back". And they wouldn't want some sub-publisher to express interest in a track 5-6 years after the deal was done only to be told, "Sorry, that's not available anymore". Bad for business.

HTH
Casey

Many thanks @Casey, it makes totally sense in fact.. and this is very helpful!
KR
Andrea