PETER CHARLES

How to Double Your Earnings: The Importance of Performing Rights Organizations

In a creative climate where major artists are pulling their catalogs from Spotify and independent musicians are forced to crowdfund every project, song licensing is one of the few remaining income avenues for songwriters. The right placement can not only generate significant earnings, but it can put an unknown artist or band on the map, which often leads to greater opportunities. Creative licensing companies connect songwriters with brands, music supervisors, and new fans, but doing your homework ahead of time can double or even triple your earnings.

Two years ago, I received a placement in a Sony Pictures animated film. It wasn’t a huge spot—twelve seconds to be exact—but I received a sizable check a few months later, marking my first real income as a songwriter. Prior to sending my music to every licensing company and song library I could find, however, I had registered my titles with a performing rights organization (PRO). At the time, I was shocked at how easy and inexpensive it was, but this small move has made all the difference.

Last week, I received another writer’s share royalty installment from my PRO, successfully doubling my initial earnings from the 2012 film.

While most music library contracts recommend that songwriters register with PROs, I can’t begin to count how many artists I’ve talked to that neglect this. Most are eager to license their music and make an extra buck, so they simply throw their material at library after library without paying attention to the long game.

As songwriters and artists, we simply can't afford to be so cavalier about our work. If you want to be successful in this industry, you have to be willing to learn the nuts and bolts of it. This will ensure longevity to your career and multiply your earnings in the process. Treat the business as you would your own work. Research. Put in the legwork. Strive for excellence. People respond to it. Anything short of that isn’t worth doing.

Photo by Andrew Abajian

In recent years, the global horror of human trafficking has become a big concern to me. I've had the pleasure to partner with organizations such as Oasis USA to make a difference in my community and around the world, but the battle is far from over.

In response to this growing issue, my good friend Michelle Fergason has recently launched a new initiative called The Tote Project, alongside her co-founder Fay Grant. Their organization provides 100% organic cotton tote bags made by India-based organization, Freeset, "a fair trade business that offers employment to women trapped in Kolkata’s sex trade."

In addition, The Tote Project's efforts benefit various safe houses along with anti-trafficking advocate, Two Wings, which provides education and relief to at-risk youth and trafficking survivors in the Los Angeles area.