What’s the Difference Between a Songwriter and an Artist?

What a Songwriter Does

• Writes lyrics, melodies, chords, or hooks.
• May work behind the scenes, never performing.
• Focuses on the composition (not the recording).
• Gets paid via publishing, royalties, sync fees, or advances.
• Registers songs with PROs, MLC, publishers, etc.

 What an Artist Does

• Performs the song (live, on record, or on video).
• Records vocals and/or instruments.
• Builds a public brand, image, and fanbase.
• Gets paid via streaming, shows, merch, sponsorships, and master royalties.
• May or may not write their own songs.

 When They’re the Same Person

• Many artists are also songwriters.
• In this case, they earn both songwriter and artist income:
• Publishing (for writing the song)
• Master royalties (for recording it)
• Performance royalties (as both writer and performer)

 How the Money Flows

Role	Gets Paid From	Examples
Songwriter	Publishing royalties, sync, mechanicals	ASCAP, BMI, MLC
Artist	Master royalties, performance, streaming, touring	Label, distributor

 Pro Tips

• If you want more control, be both (write and perform).
• If you prefer to work behind the scenes, focus on writing for others.
• Know your rights: artist and songwriter royalties are tracked separately.

Bottom Line:
A songwriter creates the song. An artist brings it to life. Sometimes they’re the same person—but in the music business, each role has separate responsibilities and income streams.