Back catalog
Previously released recordings or compositions, typically more than three years old, that continue to generate royalties. Back catalogs are highly valued assets in publishing and often command premium acquisition multiples due to their proven, predictable revenue streams.
Articles about Back catalog
How to Register Your Songs With a Performing Rights Organization Step by Step
Knowing how to register songs with a PRO is the single most effective step an independent writer can take to start collecting public performance royalties . This concise, step-by-step guide shows exactly what metadata to gather, how to set writer and publisher splits, when to register recordings with SoundExchange or neighbor rights societies, and how to verify and correct registrations so you do not lose revenue.
Best Music Publishing Companies for Independent Artists
Choosing a publisher is where many independent artists lose money and control. This list of the best music publishing companies compares publishing administrators, full-service publishers, and distribution-linked options on the criteria that matter, including fee model, rights retained, global royalty collection, sync support, and reporting transparency.
DistroKid Metadata Requirements: Preparing Your Catalog for Accurate Rights and Payments
Getting metadata right separates paid royalties from errors and lost revenue. This guide lays out DistroKid metadata requirements and the exact fields, identifiers, and formatting that determine how recordings and works are matched and paid across stores, PROs, SoundExchange, and The MLC .
Copyright Chain of Title in Music: How to Establish and Verify Ownership
Proving who actually owns a song or master is rarely straightforward; missing split sheets, conflicting society entries, and legacy transfers create real operational risk. This guide lays out a step-by-step approach to build and verify a reliable copyright chain of title for both compositions and sound recordings, listing the exact documents, registry checks, APIs, and red flags you should use.