Taking Care of Your Music Business
Taking Care of Your Music Business
Podcast Description
Welcome to "Taking Care of Your Music Business," brought to you by the Mechanical Licensing Collective, or The MLC. In this podcast, we dive deep into the heart of the music industry, exploring how to get paid as a creative, making sure you are receiving all the royalties you deserve. We'll also dive into building a sustainable career, sharing strategies and best practices that creators can use to achieve long-term success. Join us as we bring you interviews with top songwriters and music executives who share their personal journeys and professional wisdom on thriving in the business while making a living. So, get ready for some real talk about navigating the music industry. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And be sure to catch all our full episodes on YouTube. * The content shared in this podcast, including any materials or resources referenced, is intended for general informational purposes to assist members of the music community in finding answers to common questions about The MLC and the broader music industry. This content is not intended to provide legal advice, and nothing contained within the podcast or related materials should be construed as legal advice. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The MLC.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast emphasizes key themes such as securing royalties, navigating the business side of music, and building sustainable careers. Episodes feature diverse topics including songwriter financial management in 'Writing Hits, Managing Cash' and the role of organizations like The MLC in 'Every Cent Counts,' with a particular focus on the importance of metadata in 'From Royalties to Rights.'
Welcome to “Taking Care of Your Music Business,” brought to you by the Mechanical Licensing Collective, or The MLC.
In this podcast, we dive deep into the heart of the music industry, exploring how to get paid as a creative, making sure you are receiving all the royalties you deserve. We’ll also dive into building a sustainable career, sharing strategies and best practices that creators can use to achieve long-term success.
Join us as we bring you interviews with top songwriters and music executives who share their personal journeys and professional wisdom on thriving in the business while making a living. So, get ready for some real talk about navigating the music industry.
Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And be sure to catch all our full episodes on YouTube.
* The content shared in this podcast, including any materials or resources referenced, is intended for general informational purposes to assist members of the music community in finding answers to common questions about The MLC and the broader music industry. This content is not intended to provide legal advice, and nothing contained within the podcast or related materials should be construed as legal advice. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The MLC.
Join songwriter Anthony Smith as he takes us through his journey in the music industry, revealing how he balances songwriting with managing the business side. In this episode, Anthony discusses the realities of the songwriting business, offering tips on how songwriters can effectively manage their money, protect their intellectual property, and maximize earnings. He also explains the important role that organizations like The MLC play in ensuring that creators get paid for every use of their work. Tune in for a mix of personal stories, industry insights, and practical tips that will inspire music creators at all stages of their careers.
Topics Covered and Timestamps
- [00:00:43] Introduction to Anthony Smith
- Anthony’s background as a songwriter and notable hits like “Tomorrow” and “What About Now.”
- His inspiring career path and early challenges.
- [00:01:11] Early Career and Financial Realities
- Anthony discusses his first publishing deal and initial financial struggles.
- Importance of understanding finances in the music business.
- [00:02:56] Musical Influences
- Anthony reflects on his upbringing in Birmingham, Alabama, and his love for music.
- Transition from trumpet player to songwriter.
- [00:05:34] Breakthrough at Muscle Shoals
- The bold move that earned Anthony his first break by posing as an arranger.
- Moving to Nashville and breaking into the industry.
- [00:09:13] Writing Country Music Hits
- Transitioning from pop and R&B to country music.
- How co-writing helped shape his career and create commercially successful songs.
- [00:16:35] Crafting ”What About Now”
- Behind-the-scenes insights into writing and producing the chart-topping hit for Lone Star.
- [00:22:30] Financial Advice for Songwriters
- Practical tips on managing finances, seeking professional advice, and planning for the future.
- Why understanding royalties and contracts is essential for long-term success.
- [00:27:16] Building a Sustainable Career
- Anthony shares tips on networking, continuous learning, and adapting to industry trends.
- [00:51:04] The Role of The MLC
- How The MLC ensures songwriters receive accurate royalties.
- Why organizations like The MLC are essential for transparency and support in the industry.
Resources Mentioned:
- The MLC Website:themlc.com
- Anthony Smith’s Music: Follow Anthony on social media for updates on his latest projects: https://www.instagram.com/anthonylsmithmusic
Key Highlights
- Anthony’s transformation from a trumpet player in Alabama to a chart-topping songwriter.
- Valuable financial advice for songwriters, including the importance of hiring a financial advisor.
- Behind-the-scenes look at how hit songs like ”What About Now” were created.
- The positive impact of The MLC in supporting songwriters and ensuring fair royalty distribution.
Visit themlc.com to learn how The MLC can help you manage your royalties. Follow Anthony Smith on social media to stay updated on his latest projects.
Subscribe today for more compelling stories and industry-changing insights!
Watch all our full episodes on YouTube here and learn more about The MLC and our mission to ensure songwriters and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. accurately and on time here.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.