How to Prioritize Based on Your Goals

🎤 If You’re an Artist-Who-Writes (Performer-Songwriter):

  • Start with:

    1. Self-releasing music (#7) via DistroKid/TuneCore

    2. Register with a PRO and the MLC (#1 & #2)

  • Grow into:
    3. Publishing deals (#5) or sync opportunities (#3)
    4. Streaming royalties (#6) through fanbase growth

✍️ If You’re a Non-Performing Songwriter:

  • Start with:

    1. Writing for other artists (#4) and attending writing camps

    2. Registering all works with PRO/MLC (#1 & #2)

  • Grow into:
    3. Sync placements (#3)
    4. Co-publishing deal (#5) once catalog gains traction

🎬 If You Want Sync Placements:

  • Start with:

    1. Create high-quality, versatile songs with clean/instrumental edits

    2. Submit to sync libraries and build relationships with music supervisors (#3)

  • Also:

    • Make sure all rights are cleared and PRO/MLC registrations are in place

    • A publisher can supercharge this once momentum builds (#5)

💡 If You’re Just Starting Out:

  • Immediate Action Steps:

    1. Join a PRO (ASCAP, BMI)

    2. Register with the MLC

    3. Release something independently (#7)

    4. Learn to split ownership percentages (song splits)

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