How do I, as an Independent Indian Artist, Publish my Music and Ensure Maximum Revenue?

Publishing your song as an independent artist involves a series of important steps to ensure your music is properly distributed, protected, and that you capture all possible revenue streams. MRM India can streamline this process for you, offering the support you need with registrations, rights management, and royalty collection. Here’s how to proceed:

Sign Up with MRM India for Publishing Administration: MRM India provides comprehensive publishing administration services to ensure seamless collection of all local and international royalties. This includes managing registrations, handling memberships with the necessary organisations, and coordinating the entire process to make sure you receive the royalties you're entitled to—no matter where your music is played.

Digital Fingerprinting: MRM India utilises digital fingerprinting technology to automatically track and recognize your song across digital platforms, enhancing royalty collection efficiency and ensuring every play is accounted for.

This version emphasises MRM India's role in managing the complexities of publishing and rights administration, allowing artists to focus on their music while you handle the technical aspects of royalty collection.

Digital Distribution: Use MRM India’s digital distribution services to release your song on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Gaana, and YouTube Music. This ensures global availability and maximum reach.

Metadata Accuracy: When distributing, include accurate metadata—song title, artist name, ISRC (International Standard Recording Code), and writer credits. This ensures proper tracking and payment of royalties.

Mechanical Rights: In India, mechanical royalties are collected when your song is reproduced digitally (downloads and streams). MRM India ensures registration with relevant entities for efficient collection.

Performance Rights: MRM India’s global connections ensure that your song is registered with international performing rights organisations (PROs), maximising your royalties from performances abroad.

Publishing Split Sheets: If you have co-writers or collaborators, create a publishing split sheet outlining the ownership percentage of each party to ensure a fair share of royalties.

Create a Release Strategy: Plan a marketing campaign for your song release using social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Utilise Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts for quick, broad reach.

Leverage MRM India’s Pro-Guidance Program: Get mentorship on boosting your music’s visibility, including optimising content for digital platforms.

Submit to Playlists and Collaborate with Influencers: Approach Spotify playlists and influencers for features. Being included in playlists can significantly boost streams and revenue.

Publishing Royalties: MRM India ensures your song is properly registered so you receive publishing royalties, which are collected when your music is performed publicly or streamed online.

Mechanical Royalties: Collected when your music is sold or streamed, these are tracked and paid through your distributor. Ensure that your distributor and PRO registrations are synchronised.

Digital Fingerprinting & Data Analytics: MRM India’s digital fingerprinting technology tracks every use of your song globally, providing data analytics on where your song is being played to optimise promotions.

Streaming Revenue: Earn money from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube through streams. Regularly monitor streaming stats to refine your marketing strategies.

Sync Licensing: Explore sync licensing opportunities through MRM India, such as using your music in films, TV shows, or commercials for additional revenue.

Merchandising and Live Performances: Expand your revenue by creating merchandise and performing live. MRM India coordinates the process to ensure you receive performance royalties from live events.

Track Earnings: Regularly review your earnings reports from streaming services and rights organizations to ensure all revenue streams are captured. MRM India’s services provide clear financial statements.

Reinvest in Promotion: Allocate a portion of your earnings for paid advertising on social media platforms or collaborations with influencers to continue growing your audience.

By following these steps and leveraging MRM India’s expertise in rights management and distribution, independent Indian artists can ensure that their music is well-managed and all potential revenue streams are maximised. MRM India’s focus on rights management, digital fingerprinting, and global distribution makes it easier for you to focus on creating music while ensuring your work is protected and profitable.

This document provides a comprehensive guide for independent Indian artists looking to publish their first song, with a clear pathway to secure and maximise their revenue.