Publishing is the most complex but most valuable part of your music business. While your local PRO (like SOCAN) collects performance royalties, a "Publishing Administrator" goes deeper—collecting mechanical royalties, managing sync licenses, and protecting your copyrights globally. These are the companies that ensure you get paid every dollar you are owed.
1. Songtrust (USA/Global)
The largest digital publishing administrator in the world. Songtrust allows independent artists to register their works with hundreds of royalty collection societies globally through a single dashboard. They are transparent, affordable, and essential for any producer whose music is being streamed or played internationally.
2. Sentric Music (UK/Global)
Sentric offers a more "hands-on" approach than Songtrust, with a strong focus on sync opportunities. They have a specialized department that pitches their roster to music supervisors in film, TV, and gaming. They are an excellent choice for artists who want a partner in both royalty collection and creative licensing.
3. Kobalt Music (Global)
Kobalt is the "heavy hitter" of independent publishing. They represent some of the world's biggest artists but also have a division for emerging talent. Their tech platform is world-class, providing real-time data on your earnings and copyright status. They are the choice for artists operating at a high international level.
4. Third Side Music (Canada/Global)
Based in Montreal, Third Side is a boutique publisher with a global reach. They are known for their incredibly high-quality roster and their success in landing major sync placements for independent electronic music. They provide a level of personalized service and "artistic" alignment that is rare in the publishing world.