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A music publisher is a company or entity that manages the business aspects of a song or musical composition. They play a crucial role in the music industry by working with songwriters, composers, and musicians to protect and promote their musical works.

Music publishers handle a range of activities related to the licensing, distribution, and monetization of musical compositions. Here are some key functions of a music publisher:

1. Copyright Protection: Publishers help songwriters and composers register their works with copyright agencies to establish legal ownership and protect their intellectual property rights.

2. Song Placement: Publishers actively seek opportunities to place songs in various media, such as film, television, commercials, video games, and other forms of multimedia. They negotiate licensing deals with production companies or music supervisors to generate income for the songwriter or composer.

3. Royalty Collection and Administration: Publishers collect royalties on behalf of the songwriter or composer. They ensure that proper licenses are obtained and royalties are paid when their music is used, performed, or streamed. This includes collecting mechanical royalties from album sales, performance royalties from live performances or radio play, synchronization royalties from TV/film placements, and digital streaming royalties.

4. Song Pitching and A&R: Publishers work closely with artists, record labels, and music industry professionals to pitch songs for recordings by established or emerging artists. They also provide guidance and advice on songwriting and production to help develop artists and their catalog of songs.

5. Creative Support: Music publishers may offer creative input such as pairing songwriters with other artists or facilitating collaborations. They assist with song arrangements, production, and connecting opportunities to enhance the commercial potential of a song.

6. Sub-publishing and International Exploitation: Publishers often form partnerships with sub-publishers in different countries to ensure their catalog of music is effectively promoted and monetized worldwide. This involves managing rights, collecting royalties, and licensing compositions in different territories.

7. Catalog Management: Publishers maintain catalogs of musical compositions, keeping track of ownership rights, maintaining accurate metadata, and actively promoting the songs in their catalog to generate income.

In exchange for their services, music publishers typically receive a share of the income generated by the songs they represent. This share is usually negotiated in a publishing agreement with the songwriter or composer.

Overall, music publishers play a vital role in the music industry, acting as a liaison between songwriters and the commercial aspects of their music. They handle the administrative, legal, and financial aspects of a song's lifecycle, allowing the creators to focus on their art while ensuring their works reach the widest possible audience and generate revenue.