Publishing Company/BMI

[Albertm]

I have beenrecording instrumental CD's. From baby lullaby CD's to Meditation, Holidays, relaxtion, ETC. Copyrighted them in Washington. I sell them at a spa me and my wife own but also other spas and stores. Nothing huge but getting bigger. I want to send out to distributors that compile people like me and sell on larger scale. Before I do I wanted to ask, Should someone like myself start a publishing co. for any reason, also shold I join BMI or ASCAP???? Seems that is more for songwriters. Really not sure, clueless actually. Or just keep on picking up more outlets and do myself? Any thoughts welcome. thanks

 

[mikeh]

If you are simply interested in selling copies of your self produced CD (vs. having the music played on the radio or in movies/TV) a performance organization such as BMI or ASCAP (which monitor and collect things like mechanical royalties, etc.) has no real value to you.

I don't see where starting your own publishing company would have much value (candidly, I think most muscians would gain no value by having "thier own" publishing company). Being published means nothing if the material can't get into the hands people who want to record it or use it).

If you think some of your material could be used as source material in film and/or TV - then perhaps hooking up with a publisher (who has experiance in those media) could have value.

If you are simply looking for distribution, then the important thing is to find a distributor you can trust, who has experiance in the retial markets you think your CD should be in and who will allow you consistant access to the distribution numbers.

 

[Albertm]

That makes sence. Thanks. I do also write full songs without lyrics and would like to aim for film, so BMI would be a good road later.

I see people who put out instrumental CD's in catologues have there own publishing dompanies displayed on their CD's, some don't, thats why I was wondering "Why did some do that and some didn't?" Maybe it was just for looks. I didn't see any other real purpose.