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Home • Interviews • Writing A Song • Obituaries International Songwriters Association Music Publishers Introduction by Jim Liddane. "And lo, there was in the ancient city of Cairo, a young bard, blind from birth, who did set himself at the city's gates to sing his songs. Each morn, he placed his hat upon the ground and sang melodies of great beauty. And verily, the people of the city gathered round, marvelling at his music. But the bard, being blind, perceived not the multitude that praised him. And though the crowds departed with joy in their hearts, few were they who dropped a coin into his hat. One day, it so happened that a carpet salesman, journeying into the city, beheld the throng and was struck with wonder at the talent of the young bard. Seeing the scant few coins in the hat, he was moved with compassion and devised a plan. He took up the hat and walked among the people, soliciting their generosity. By the day's end, he counted the coins and found he had gathered one thousand piastres. The salesman immediately placed five hundred piastres into the hat of the bard, and kept five hundred piastres for himself. Then he returned the hat to the young bard, who remained unaware of the full measure of his success, but was grateful for the huge increase in his income. And so it came to pass that the carpet salesman sold off his stock for a pittance, and embarked upon a new career - as the world's first music publisher". OK - it's an old joke and I could have told it better, but it sums up an attitude to music publishing which is still all too common, and which is also all too wrong. Of course publishers collect and distribute royalties - that is after all their raison d'etre. But it is their ability to recognise what the public want, coupled with their unique industry contacts (not to mention their business acumen), which enables them to recognise emerging talent, nurture young writers, invest in exciting new music, and perhaps most important of all - make things happen. Perhaps their true role is more accurately summed up in the story of how Brian Epstein, told by Parlophone Records that his band had to have a music publisher before their record could be released, walked into Dick James' tiny London office one day back in 1962 with a demo copy of the Beatles' song "Please Please Me" and asked the publisher to listen to it. Dick was impressed and immediately offered a publishing deal. Epstein however, somewhat underwhelmed at the smallness of the office, asked - "but what can you do to get this song into the charts?" Without replying, Dick picked up the phone and called Philip Jones in Birmingham, who just happened to be producing the hugely popular TV show "Thank Your Lucky Stars" "I have a guaranteed hit here on my desk by an unknown group who are going to be huge" said Dick - "so how about a slot on the show?" Jones, recalling that Dick James had been both a successful singer and songwriter in the 1950s, promptly agreed - and so the Beatles made their first major television appearance. "Now that Mister Epstein" replied Dick James "is the sort of thing that I can do for you". Needless to say, he got the Beatles' catalogue! Nowadays, there are quite literally, thousands of music publishers operating worldwide, ranging from small one-man outfits operated in many cases by songwriters wishing to completely own and administer their own copyrights, to the multi-national conglomerates such as Universal Music, Sony Music etc., who may have several thousand songwriters on their books at any one time. Here I will try and present a brief explanation of the history of music publishing, and the role of a modern music publisher. What Do Music Publishers Do? What exactly does a music publisher do? Basically, a music publisher is a company (or individual) that acts as an intermediary between songwriters and composers, and the music industry. Their primary function is to acquire, administer, and exploit musical compositions on behalf of the songwriters or composers they represent. Some key aspects of their role would have to include: • Acquiring Rights Music publishers seek to acquire the rights to represent and publish musical compositions. They enter into contracts with songwriters and composers, typically through publishing agreements, which grant them the authority to exploit the compositions in various ways. They also try to purchase the catalogues of existing music publishing companies, thus increasing their own market share. • Administration Publishers handle the administrative tasks related to music copyrights. This includes registering compositions with performing rights organisations (PROs) such as ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, PRS etc, and securing copyrights to protect the intellectual property of the songwriters or composers. • Licensing and Exploitation Music publishers are responsible for licensing the use of compositions for various purposes. They negotiate and issue licenses to individuals or organisations that wish to use the music in recordings, performances, films, TV shows, advertisements, video games, and other media. This process involves negotiating fees, terms, and conditions for the use of the compositions. • Royalty Collection and Distribution Publishers collect royalties generated from the licensed use of compositions. They track and monitor the performances, broadcasts, and sales of the music to ensure proper compensation. The collected royalties are then distributed to the songwriters or composers based on the terms of their publishing agreement. • Promotion and Marketing Music publishers actively promote the compositions and the songwriters or composers they represent. They may pitch songs to artists, producers, or record labels for potential recording opportunities. They also collaborate with music supervisors, advertisers, and other industry professionals to increase the visibility and commercial potential of the compositions. • Sync Licensing Publishers focus on securing synchronisation licenses, which allow compositions to be synchronised with visual media, such as films, TV shows, or commercials. This involves identifying suitable placements for the music and negotiating agreements that allow its use in these contexts. Overall, music publishers play a vital role in managing and monetising musical compositions on behalf of songwriters and composers. They help protect the rights of creators, facilitate licensing and revenue generation, and actively work towards maximising the exposure and commercial success of the compositions they represent. History Of Publishing - USA When did music publishing start in the USA? Music Publishing goes back to the early days of what we nowadays call the USA. In fact, it goes back to well before the Declaration of Independence! • Early Colonial Period: Music publishing can be traced to the early colonial period when European settlers brought their musical traditions with them The first known music publication in America was "The Bay Psalm Book" in 1640, which contained religious hymns and psalms. • 19th Century: The 19th century witnessed the rapid growth of music publishing in the United States. In the early part of the century, most music publishing was centered in major cities such as Boston and New York. Publishers like Oliver Ditson and William Hall played crucial roles in popularising American music by publishing sheet music for songs, hymns, and instrumental compositions. The growth of music printing technology, such as lithography, made sheet music more accessible to the general public and the introduction of copyright laws in the mid-19th century provided legal protection to composers and publishers, encouraging further growth in the industry. • Tin Pan Alley Era: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of Tin Pan Alley, a district in New York City where many music publishers and songwriters were located. Starting in 1885, Tin Pan Alley, an area on West 28th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in the Flower District of Manhattan, became the hub of popular music production and publishing, focusing on the production of sheet music and the development of popular songs while songwriters like Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter gained fame and success during this period. The advent of phonograph recordings in the late 19th century and radio broadcasting in the early 20th century revolutionised the music industry, leading to a shift in focus from sheet music to recorded music. • ASCAP and BMI: In the early 20th century, performing rights organisations (PROs) like the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) were established. ASCAP and BMI were responsible for collecting royalties on behalf of composers and publishers for the public performance of their music on radio, television, and live performances. These PROs played a significant role in protecting the rights and ensuring fair compensation for composers and publishers. • Digital Age and Streaming: The advent of digital technology in the late 20th century brought significant changes to the music publishing industry. The rise of the internet, MP3s, and digital music platforms led to a decline in physical sales of sheet music and records, shifting the focus towards digital distribution and streaming services. Companies like Apple (iTunes) and later streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora revolutionised how music is consumed, challenging traditional music publishing models. The rise of independent publishing and self-publishing became more accessible with digital platforms, allowing artists to release and distribute their music independently. History Of Publishing - UK What is the history of Music Publishing in the United Kingdom? Believe it or not, the earliest examples of what might be called "music publishing" actually pre-date Shakespeare! • Early Period: Music publishing in the UK traces its roots back to the 16th century, when printed music began to appear in the form of broadsheets and partbooks. Early music publishers in the UK, such as Thomas Tallis and William Byrd, published sacred music and madrigals while the establishment of printing presses in London, Oxford, and Cambridge facilitated the production and dissemination of printed music. • 19th Century: The 19th century saw significant advancements in music publishing in the UK. Publishers such as John Walsh and Vincent Novello played vital roles in publishing sheet music, particularly for piano and vocal compositions. The introduction of copyright laws in the mid-19th century, such as the Copyright Act of 1842, provided legal protection to composers and publishers while music halls and vaudeville theaters became popular, leading to an increased demand for popular sheet music. • Music Hall Era: The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the rise of the music hall era in the UK. Music halls were venues where popular entertainment, including live music performances, took place. Music publishing in London became centred around Tin Pan Alley, mainly along Denmark Street, which was in the heart of the theatre district. The street had been almost completely residential up to around 1850, but in later years, had become known as "Little Tokyo", due to the proliferation of Japanese-owned businesses. In 1911, songwriter Lawrence Wright who would go on to found the "Melody Marker" music newspaper, opened up shop at Number 8, quickly followed by Campell Connolly. Publishers like Francis, Day & Hunter and Chappell & Co. capitalised on the popularity of music halls by publishing sheet music for the songs performed in these venues. Music hall songs became a significant part of popular culture, and sheet music sales boomed during this period. • Post-World War II: The aftermath of World War II brought significant changes to the music publishing industry in the UK. The rise of record labels, such as EMI and Decca, shifted the focus from sheet music to recorded music. Denmark Street expanded to include musical instrument shops and recording studios, to the point where as songwriter Lionel Bart (known as "the king of Tin Pan Alley") put it - you could "hardly throw a stone but you'd hit a famous songwriter". In the early 1960's, British popular music emerged as a global phenomenon, with artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd dominating the music scene. As a result, music publishing companies like Northern Songs (associated with The Beatles) and Essex Music (associated with Pink Floyd) gained prominence during this era. • Digital Age and Streaming: The advent of digital technology in the late 20th century brought significant changes to the music publishing industry in the UK, as it did globally. The rise of the internet, MP3s, and digital music platforms transformed the way music is distributed and consumed. Companies like Apple (iTunes) and later streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music had a profound impact on the music publishing landscape. Independent publishing and self-publishing became more accessible with digital platforms, allowing artists to release and distribute their music independently. What does the future of music publishing look like? Today, music publishing in both the USA and the UK continues to evolve in response to advancements in technology, changes in consumer behavior, and the global music market. The industry definitely faces new challenges, but also faces new opportunities. The Top Publishers Nowadays Which are the most prominent music publishing companies nowadays? The music publishing industry nowadays consists of several major players. While rankings may vary based on specific criteria, any listing of the biggest music publishers worldwide would have to include the three companies - Sony Music, UMPG and Warner Chappell: • Sony Music Publishing Sony Music Publishing is a major player in the music publishing industry. It has an extensive catalogue of songs and represents numerous well-known songwriters and composers. • Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) UMPG is one of the largest music publishing companies globally. It represents a vast catalogue of songs from various genres and has offices in many countries. • Warner Chappell Music Warner Chappell is another prominent music publishing company. It has a rich catalogue and represents a diverse range of songwriters across different genres. It is important to note that the music publishing landscape changes over time, and new companies emerge or existing ones undergo transformations so as a songwriter, you should always research the current state of the industry to get the most up-to-date information. Take it from me, this cursory examination of the current top three companies (as of 2023), will possibly have been over-taken by events even before you have finished reading it! Sony Music Publishing SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING Sony Music Publishing is probably the largest music publishing company in the world. It is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation, operates as part of Sony Music Entertainment, and at time of writing, has well over 5 million songs on its books. • HQ Madison Avenue, New York City, USA • History 1995: Sony Music Publishing is formed when Sony acquires ATV Music Publishing. ATV Music Publishing has been founded in 1955 by Lew Grade and controls a vast catalogue of songs, including many of The Beatles' compositions. 1995: Sony Music Publishing merges with the publishing division of Michael Jackson's ATV Music to form Sony/ATV Music Publishing. The merger creates one of the largest music publishing companies worldwide, with a catalogue encompassing numerous hit songs from various genres. 2007: Sony/ATV acquires Famous Music LLC from Viacom for approximately $370 million. Famous Music is known for its extensive catalogue of songs, including classics from artists like Eminem, Akon, and Shakira. 2012: Sony/ATV enters into a joint venture with the Abu Dhabi-based investment company Mubadala Development Company and formed Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. This joint venture leads to Sony/ATV administering the catalogue of EMI Music Publishing, which had an impressive collection of songs and represents numerous renowned songwriters. 2018: Sony/ATV acquires the remaining 60% stake of EMI Music Publishing from the Mubadala Development Company, becoming the sole owner of EMI Music Publishing. The deal values EMI Music Publishing at around $4.75 billion and further solidifies Sony/ATV's position as a dominant force in the music publishing industry. 2019: Sony/ATV Music Publishing changes its name to Sony Music Publishing, aligning its branding with the parent company, Sony Music Entertainment. • Writers Published Sony/ATV Music Publishing has a substantial stake in the publishing rights of The Beatles' iconic catalogue. John Lennon and Paul McCartney, as the primary songwriters of The Beatles, have numerous hits published by Sony/ATV, including "Hey Jude," "Let It Be," and "Yesterday." Sony/ATV acquired the ATV Music catalogue, which included the publishing rights to numerous Michael Jackson songs. Jackson's catalogue includes classics like "Thriller," "Billie Jean," and "Beat It." Taylor Swift, one of the most successful contemporary singer-songwriters, has published her music with Sony/ATV. Her catalogue includes chart-topping hits like "Love Story," "You Belong with Me," and "Shake It Off." Sony/ATV represents a significant portion of Bob Dylan's extensive catalogue. Dylan, known for his poetic songwriting, has written timeless songs like "Blowin' in the Wind," "Like a Rolling Stone," and "Knockin' on Heaven's Door." Lady Gaga, an acclaimed pops artist known for her unique style and powerful vocals, has published her music with Sony/ATV. Her catalogue includes hits like "Bad Romance," "Poker Face," and "Shallow." Sony/ATV works closely with Ed Sheeran, a globally successful singer-songwriter. Sheeran's catalogue includes songs such as "Shape of You," "Thinking Out Loud," and "Photograph." Pharrell Williams, a multi-talented musician, producer, and songwriter, has collaborated with Sony/ATV. His catalogue includes hits like "Happy," "Blurred Lines," and "Get Lucky." Sia, known for her powerful songwriting and distinctive voice, has published her music with Sony/ATV. Her catalogue includes songs like "Chandelier," "Cheap Thrills," and "Elastic Heart." • Songs Published "Yesterday" - The Beatles: This iconic Beatles song, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, is one of the most covered songs in history. It has become a timeless classic. "Let It Be" - The Beatles: Another beloved Beatles hit, "Let It Be" was written by Paul McCartney and has a powerful and uplifting message. "Thriller" - Michael Jackson: This title track from Michael Jackson's seminal album became a global phenomenon and is widely regarded as one of the greatest pop songs of all time. "Billie Jean" - Michael Jackson: "Billie Jean" is a signature Michael Jackson song, known for its infectious beat and memorable bassline. "Shape of You" - Ed Sheeran: This chart-topping hit by Ed Sheeran broke numerous records and became one of the most streamed songs in history. "Poker Face" - Lady Gaga: Lady Gaga's breakout hit "Poker Face" became a pop anthem and showcased her unique style and catchy melodies. "Happy" - Pharrell Williams: This infectious and feel-good song by Pharrell Williams was featured in the film "Despicable Me 2" and became a global sensation. "Can't Stop the Feeling!" - Justin Timberlake: Written by Justin Timberlake, Max Martin, and Shellback, this upbeat track from the movie "Trolls" became a chart-topping hit. "Rolling in the Deep" - Adele: Adele's powerful and emotionally charged song "Rolling in the Deep" became a massive hit and showcased her incredible vocal talent. "Diamonds" - Rihanna: This hit song, written by Sia and Benny Blanco, propelled Rihanna to further stardom and became a worldwide success. Universal Music Publishing UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP (UMPG) Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) is a leading global music publishing company. It is a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, one of the world's largest music companies and has and more than 4 million songs on its books. • HQ Santa Monica, California, USA • History 1901: Edward B. Marks and Joe Stern found a music publishing company called Stern & Marks in New York City. This company will eventually become part of the foundation for UMPG. 1933:, The music publishing company Chappell & Company is acquired by Warner Bros. and becomes Warner/Chappell Music. Warner/Chappell later plays a significant role in the formation of UMPG. 1934: The Decca Record Company establishes its music publishing division, Decca Music Group, in the United Kingdom. 1950-1976: Various mergers and acquisitions take place in the music publishing industry. These include the acquisition of Mills Music by Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), the merger of Chappell & Co. with PolyGram, and the formation of MCA Music Publishing through the merger of several music publishing companies. 1989: Seagram, a Canadian conglomerate, acquires 80% of MCA Inc., including its music publishing division. 1988: Seagram acquires PolyGram, a major music company that includes the Chappell Music publishing catalogue. This acquisition strengthens Seagram's presence in the music publishing sector. 1998: Seagram merges MCA Music Entertainment Group and PolyGram to form Universal Music Group (UMG). As a result, the music publishing divisions of both companies, including MCA Music Publishing and PolyGram Music Publishing, are combined to create Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG). 2006: Universal Music Group is acquired by Vivendi, a French media conglomerate, and becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vivendi. 2012: UMPG acquires EMI Music Publishing, one of the world's largest music publishing companies, expanding its catalogue and market share significantly. 2013: Universal Music Publishing Group launches UMPG Songs, a joint venture with Disney Music Publishing. The joint venture focuses on signing and developing songwriters and administering their catalogues. 2017: UMPG signs a global administration deal with the Prince estate, gaining access to Prince's extensive catalogue of music. 2018: UMPG acquires the catalogue of renowned songwriter Bob Dylan, further strengthening its catalogue and representation of iconic artists. • Writers Published UMPG acquired the catalogue of the legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in 2018. Dylan is known for his influential and poetic songwriting, and his catalogue includes timeless classics such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "Like a Rolling Stone." Taylor Swift is one of the most successful pop singer-songwriters of recent years. UMPG represents her music catalogue, which includes chart-topping hits like "Love Story," "Shake It Off," and "Blank Space." The iconic British musician and composer Elton John has an extensive catalogue of hits, many of which are published by UMPG. His songs include "Your Song," "Rocket Man," and "Tiny Dancer." UMPG represents the catalogue of Adele, a Grammy-winning British singer-songwriter. Her powerful and soulful songs, including "Rolling in the Deep," "Someone Like You," and "Hello," have garnered widespread acclaim. UMPG represents the publishing rights to the music of the legendary rock band Queen, including the songs written by its lead vocalist Freddie Mercury and guitarist Brian May. Queen's catalogue includes iconic hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," and "Another One Bites the Dust." UMPG represents the music catalogue of Canadian pop superstar Justin Bieber. His chart-topping hits, including "Baby," "Sorry," and "Love Yourself," have garnered massive global success. UMPG represents the catalogue of Billie Eilish, a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her unique and genre-blending style. Her songs, such as "Bad Guy," "Ocean Eyes," and "When the Party's Over," have resonated with audiences worldwide. UMPG represents the publishing rights to the music of the Irish rock band U2, including songs written by its lead vocalist Bono and guitarist The Edge. U2's catalogue includes hits like "With or Without You," "Sunday Bloody Sunday," and "Beautiful Day." • Songs Published "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen: This epic rock anthem, written by Freddie Mercury, is considered one of the greatest songs in rock history. "Hey Jude" - The Beatles: Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, this Beatles classic features an uplifting melody and a sing-along chorus. "Like a Rolling Stone" - Bob Dylan: Bob Dylan's influential song is often hailed as one of the greatest compositions in popular music, known for its poetic lyrics. "Hallelujah" - Leonard Cohen: This haunting and emotionally powerful song, written by Leonard Cohen, has been covered by numerous artists and is recognised as a modern classic. "I Will Always Love You" - Dolly Parton: Dolly Parton's heartfelt ballad gained even greater popularity when Whitney Houston covered it for the film "The Bodyguard." "Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey: This anthemic rock song by Journey has become a timeless favourite, known for its uplifting message and memorable chorus. "Billie Jean" - Michael Jackson: Michael Jackson's iconic hit, known for its infectious groove and memorable bassline, remains one of his signature songs. "Sweet Child o' Mine" - Guns N' Roses: This rock anthem by Guns N' Roses features a distinctive guitar riff and powerful vocals, becoming one of their most popular songs. "Uptown Funk" - Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars: This funk-infused pop hit dominated charts worldwide and became one of the biggest songs of recent years. "Rolling in the Deep" - Adele: Adele's soulful and powerful ballad captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing her incredible vocal talent. Warner Chappell Music WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC Warner Chappell Music represents a vast catalogue of songs, including iconic compositions from legendary songwriters such as George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Cole Porter, and has well over 1 million songs on its books. • HQ Broadway, New York City, USA • History 1811: Chappell & Company is founded in London, England, as a music publishing firm. It begins its journey by publishing sheet music and establishing itself as a prominent name in the industry. 1929: Warner Bros., the renowned American entertainment company, acquires a majority stake in Chappell & Company. This acquisition will eventually lead to the formation of Warner/Chappell Music. 1987: Warner Communications Inc., the parent company of Warner Bros., merges with Time Inc. to become Time Warner, a media conglomerate. Warner/Chappell Music becomes a subsidiary of Time Warner. 1988: Warner/Chappell Music expands its reach by acquiring the music publisher Southern Music. This acquisition adds a significant number of well-known compositions to their catalogue. 1990s: Warner/Chappell Music experiences growth and success during this decade, signing agreements with prominent songwriters and acquiring valuable music publishing catalogues. The company represents songwriters from various genres, including pop, rock, country, and more. 2002: Time Warner merges with America Online Inc. (AOL), forming AOL Time Warner. Warner/Chappell Music becomes a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner. 2010: Warner Music Group, including Warner/Chappell Music, is acquired by Access Industries, a privately-held industrial group. Warner/Chappell Music becomes a part of Access Industries' portfolio. 2013: Warner/Chappell Music acquires the Parlophone Label Group, which includes the catalogues of legendary artists like Coldplay, Pink Floyd, and David Bowie. This acquisition significantly expands Warner/Chappell Music's catalogue. 2018: Warner Music Group completes a sale of a majority stake in its recorded music business, effectively becoming an independent music company once again. Warner/Chappell Music remains a division of Warner Music Group. 2019: Warner/Chappell Music undergoes a rebranding and changes its name to Warner Chappell Music, dropping the slash in its name. • Writers Published The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Beyoncé is known for her powerful vocals and impactful songwriting. She has collaborated with Warner Chappell Music on many of her hit songs, including "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," "Halo," and "Formation." Ed Sheeran is a globally successful singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt and introspective songs. He has worked closely with Warner Chappell Music and has written chart-topping hits such as "Thinking Out Loud," "Shape of You," and "Perfect." Katy Perry is a pop superstar with a string of successful singles to her name. Warner Chappell Music has collaborated with her on songs like "Roar," "Firework," and "Teenage Dream." The renowned rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z has partnered with Warner Chappell Music on numerous occasions. Some of his well-known songs, including "Empire State of Mind" and "99 Problems," are part of his collaboration with Warner Chappell Music. Kendrick Lamar is a highly acclaimed rapper and songwriter known for his thought-provoking lyrics and socially conscious themes. Warner Chappell Music has worked with him on tracks such as "HUMBLE," "Alright," and "DNA." Carole King is a legendary singer-songwriter whose timeless compositions have become classics. Her collaboration with Warner Chappell Music includes iconic songs like "You've Got a Friend," "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," and "Natural Woman." Bruno Mars is a multi-talented artist known for his infectious pop and R&B hits. Warner Chappell Music has been involved in his songwriting endeavors, including songs like "Just the Way You Are," "Uptown Funk," and "Locked Out of Heaven." Dua Lipa is a British singer-songwriter who has gained international acclaim with her powerful vocals and catchy pop tunes. She has collaborated with Warner Chappell Music on songs like "New Rules," "Don't Start Now," and "Levitating." • Songs Published "Happy Birthday to You" - Mildred J. Hill and Patty S. Hill: This widely recognised and beloved birthday song is published by Warner Chappell Music. "Every Breath You Take" - The Police: This iconic hit by The Police, written by Sting, features a haunting melody and introspective lyrics. "Hotel California" - Eagles: This classic rock song by the Eagles, written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, has become one of the band's most enduring hits. "Wonderwall" - Oasis: Written by Noel Gallagher, this Britpop anthem by Oasis has become a beloved sing-along track. "Livin' on a Prayer" - Bon Jovi: This energetic rock anthem by Bon Jovi, written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child, is a crowd favourite. "Shape of My Heart" - Sting: This introspective ballad by Sting has been covered by various artists and showcases his songwriting prowess. "Firework" - Katy Perry: Written by Katy Perry, this empowering pop anthem became a massive hit and is recognised for its uplifting message. "Viva la Vida" - Coldplay: This anthemic song by Coldplay, written by Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion, reached critical acclaim and commercial success. "I Will Survive" - Gloria Gaynor: This disco classic, written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris, has become an anthem of resilience and empowerment. "All You Need Is Love" - The Beatles: This timeless Beatles song, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, is a testament to love and unity. Warning! It's important to note that the music publishing landscape can change over time, and new companies may emerge or existing ones may undergo transformations. You should always research the current state of the industry to get the most up-to-date information. Presence On The Web Publishers On The Web You may be a bit surprised to learn that not every music publisher operates a dedicated website, presumably because they are not themselves selling anything directly to the general public, and accordingly, see little point in bothering to have much of an online presence. Those that do have websites often offer little in the way of information about the company or its staff, and some make it quite difficult to work out what exactly they do publish or which songwriters are signed to them. Unlike most book publishers, these music publishing sites also contain very little (if any) information on submitting material to them, apart from those who warn you that they do not accept unsolicited material! A small number of sites are however "songwriter-friendly", in that they provide information for writers who wish to submit material to them. These sites are rare enough however - most seem determined to discourage songwriters from contacting them at all! Below is a small and very random list of publishers - just click on the name to visit the site. And if you would like larger listings of music publishers, then the Billboard Directory (international listings), the Music Week Directory (mainly UK listings), and the Hot Press Directory (mainly Irish listings), should satisfy your appetite. Short List Of Websites Click on the name to visit the site A B ABKCO Music Alan Publishing Group Alfred Music All Boys Music Amphonic Music Angus Music Ariel Music Apollo Music A&R Editions Arthouse Entertainment Astute Music Audio Network Music Avatar Publishing Bardic Edition Beggars Music Bicycle Music Big Ears Music Big World Music Blades Music Blue Mountain Music BMG Production Music Bocu Music Boosey & Hawkes Music Bourne Music Bucks Music Budde Music Bug Music C D Caritas Music Carl Fischer Music Carlin America Carlin Music UK Casablanca Media Publishing Cathedral Music Chandos Music Chelsea Music Cherry Heart Music Christian Music Group Publishing Concord Music Curb Music Cutting Edge Music Defected Music Dome Music Downtown Music E F Edition HH Music Embryo Music EMI Music Faber Music Fagus Music Fairwood Music Fame Music Feel Good Music Focus Music Fox Music Publishing Felder Pomus Music G H George Martin Music Global Talent Music Goodnight Kiss Music Goodmusic Green Hills Music Group Hal Leonard Music Hope Music I J K Independent Music Group Indiesonics Music integrity Music Josef Weinberger Music Kassner Music Kendor Music Kobalt Music KPM Music L M N O P Maverick Music Maxwood Music May Music Mcasso Music MGM Music Missing Link Music Moraine Music MPL Communications Mute Music Now Music Peermusic Perfectly Formed Songs Peter Knight Music Proof Songs Q R S RAK Music Real Songs Reservoir Music Rondo Music SATV Music Scottish Music Sentric Music Shapiro Bernstein Music Sheet Music Songtek Music Sony-ATV Music US Sony-ATV Music UK Southern Music Supreme Songs T U V W X Y Z The Really Useful Group Trowbridge Music Urband & Lazar Music Publishing Universal Music Warner Chappell Music Warp Music West One Music Westminster Music Yell Music Zec Music Copyright Songwriter Magazine, International Songwriters & Jim Liddane: All Rights Reserved If you have wandered onto this page by accident, then you may very well be wondering what "The Knowledge" button above is all about. "The Knowledge" is a free multi-part course which takes you from thinking up the basic idea for your song, through using AI or Artificial Intelligence to help improve your writing skills, to penning the title, the lyric and the melody. It then covers plagiarism (what to do if you're told your song sounds like another one!) and copyrighting your song, so that you can take action if your work is stolen. Finally, it deals with selling your song, promoting your demo, music publishers, putting your songs on the web, and in movies, or on television, getting the money in, raising cash to fund your career via crowd-funding, before setting up your own music publishing company so that you get to keep all of the money! And that blue button at the bottom of each lesson simply takes you to the next lesson. If however you would like to go back to Lesson 1 and start the course (it will take about 90 minutes to complete), then just press HERE ISA • International Songwriters Association (1967) internationalsongwriters@gmail.com Cookies Policy • Privacy Policy • Copyright Legal Notice This site is published by the International Songwriters Association, and will introduce you to the world of songwriting. It will explain music business terms and help you understand the business concepts that you should be familiar with, thus enabling you to ask more pertinent questions when you meet with your accountant/CPA or solicitor/lawyer. However, although this website includes information about legal issues and legal developments as well as accounting issues and accounting developments, it is not meant to be a replacement for professional advice. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal/accounting developments. Every effort has been made to make this site as complete and as accurate as possible, but no warranty or fitness is implied. The information provided is on an "as is" basis and the author(s) and the publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from the information contained on this site. No steps should be taken without seeking competent legal and/or accounting advice Home • Interviews • Writing A Song • Obituaries