What Artists Need to Know

In this business, knowing the rules matters as much as talent. Three things protect an artist's income:

• Own your masters — controlling your recordings means controlling your money for life
• Publishing — songwriting royalties are a whole separate paycheck; register songs with a PRO (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC) early
• 360 deals — these give the label a cut of everything: recordings, touring, merch, and endorsements