08.23.2013 - By Nate Fancher: Songwriter, Christian Music Maker, Blogger
If you're like me, then you've been stressed out a time or two over the administrative side of songwriting, music making, and...
...copyright compliance.
Perhaps you've wondered about how to get permission to do an amazing cover for YouTube, or even a desire to release some cover songs and not worry about digital distribution.
If you're a worship leader who writes songs for your church, and even a handful of other churches are doing your songs, you've probably had the thought of getting those songs registered with CCLI.
Copyrights, licensing, and publishing, can be incredibly complicated this day and age, and it's more important than ever to do things right.
In session 25 of the podcast, I share with you an interview I had with Susan Fontaine Godwin, founder and CEO of Christian Copyright Solutions (CCS).
CCS is an amazing company and online service helping churches and artists everywhere. Understanding copyright is a very important piece of the puzzle - especially if you're an artist looking to build a small business as an indie musician.
Here are a few highlights...
Susan's work with Integrity Communications in 1984
The Hosanna Music Explosion and Susan's involvement in publishing
Started Righteous Oaks Music in 1996
Rick Muchow and Saddleback Church, and the launch of CCS
PRO = Performing Rights Organization (Ascap, BMI, SESAC, etc...)
The difference between CCS and CCLI
The WORSHIPcast license and PERFORMmusic license
INDIEadmin
Steps for protecting and publishing your songs
Stewardship for creative people
Don't wait for a publisher to come to you
Ownership breakdown of a song
Letter of agreement between writers in a co-write
Some examples of the different kinds of publishing agreements
Truth about the US Copyright Office
Basic Steps for Publishing Fact Sheet
CCS is a different publishing admin model
Getting ready for YouTube
Getting licensing for covers
The reason CCS exists
Serving music entrepreneurs
Being clear in your calling and vocation
Being surrounded by other believers
Important Links for CCS
Their main website
IndieAdmin
helpful fact sheets
CCS's easy song registering service
CCS on Twitter
CCS on Facebook
CCS on LinkedIn
Toll free: +1 (855) 576-5837
Other important links you should know
Susan's personal twitter
http://www.copyright.gov/
Join ASCAP here
Join BMI here
The post on doing covers songs I mentioned