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  • Do I need both a publisher and a distributor?

    2025-09-11 13:12:50
    Most defiantly!!! A publisher collects royalties for the songwriting/composition, while a distributor collects royalties for the sound recording (streams, downloads, sales)....
  • Why are my royalties sometimes lower than expected

    2025-09-11 14:43:19
    Currency exchange rates (most royalties are calculated in USD/EUR). Platform deductions (Spotify, Apple Music, etc. take their cut). Distributor or publisher admin fees. Delay...
  • What happens if you don’t register your songs?

    2025-09-11 14:45:24
    Unregistered works are not tracked properly, meaning you could lose royalties locally and internationally....
  • Publishing House vs Record Label

    2025-09-15 14:25:17
    The main difference between the two? Publishing House = Song (composition rights) They protect, register, and monetise the song itself, no matter who records it. ...
  • Do royalties stop when I die?

    2025-09-15 14:29:58
    No. Royalties are considered intellectual property (IP) income and remain payable as long as your music is generating revenue....
  • Who gets my royalties after I pass away?

    2025-09-15 14:31:38
    Your royalties become part of your estate. They can be inherited by your beneficiaries (family, spouse, children, or anyone named in your will). With a will: The royalties are paid to the heirs you named. Wi...
  • Which royalties continue after death?

    2025-09-15 14:33:07
    Publishing Royalties (via SAMRO, CAPASSO): Songwriting and composition royalties keep being paid. Needletime Royalties (via SAMPRA): Performer and recording royalties continue. Sales & Streaming (via Distri...
  • How long are royalties paid after death?

    2025-09-15 14:34:35
    In South Africa (and most countries), copyright lasts for 50 years after the end of the year of your death. During that time, your heirs will continue receiving royalties. ...
  • What steps should I take now to protect my royalties for my family?

    2025-09-15 14:36:55
    1. Register with all societies (SAMRO, CAPASSO, SAMPRA, RISA) so your royalties are tracked. 2. Write a valid will naming your beneficiaries. 3. Inform your publisher and label who your heirs are. 4. Keep documentation updated...
  • Can my family collect if I didn’t leave instructions?

    2025-09-15 14:39:42
    Yes, but it can be complicated. They will need to prove legal heirship through the Master of the High Court and submit documents to collecting societies to redirect royalties....
  • What are ISRC codes and why do you need them?

    2025-10-08 10:04:06
    An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique identifier for your song recording. You need one for each track before distribution so royalties can be tracked correct...
  • Can I distribute music without a publisher?

    2025-10-08 10:06:00
    Yes, you can distribute music independently, but you may miss out on publishing royalties unless you handle registrations and reporting yourself....
  • How are royalties paid to artists in South Africa?

    2025-10-08 10:07:59
    Digital Sales/Streams (Distributors): Paid via your distribution service (after platform deductions). Mechanical Royalties (CAPASSO): Paid when music is reproduced (downloads, streams, covers). ...
  • What is the difference between music publishing and distribution?

    2025-10-08 09:48:16
    Publishing - Ensures your songwriting/compositio...
  • What does it mean when you make Indigenous Tunes your publisher?

    2025-10-08 09:53:08
    When you make us your publisher, you are appointing Indigenous Tunes to take care of the business and administration side of your music, while you focus on creating. ...
  • What is the importance of a Composer Split Sheet?

    2025-10-08 09:58:34
    A Composer Split Sheet is a written agreement that shows how the ownership and royalties of a song are divided among everyone who contributed to writing it (e.g., lyricist, compos...
  • How do publishing fees work in South Africa?

    2025-10-08 10:10:33
    Some publishers charge upfront fees, while others (like Indigenous Tunes and others) may work on commission (taking an administration fee from collected royalties)....
  • Which CMOs should you register with in South Africa?

    2025-10-08 10:02:08
    1. RISA – Issues ISRC codes for identifying your recordings globally. ...
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