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Producer credit

What is a producer?

The term ‘producer’ means lots of different things to different people across music genres.

If the producer is involved in the writing of the songs and the creation of the music, then yes, the producer can earn songwriting royalties through APRA AMCOS.

As Sally explains in the video, a producer in electronic music may be a solo artist who makes all their own songs. Which would entitle them to songwriting royalties.

Whereas in other genres, the producer may take more of a ‘directing’ role to get the best performance from a band in the studio.

Sound recording

APRA AMCOS does not distribute royalties generated from sound recordings. PPCA and record labels manage those agreements, rather than APRA AMCOS. When you’re working with someone who is only involved in the studio production of your music, it’s more likely they could be due shares from the master (sound recording), but not the composition. Alternatively, you all might come to an agreement where a fee is paid for production in the studio with no royalties attached.

The crucial thing is to talk about the work ahead of starting, then get all agreements, (whether for songwriting shares, shares in the Master, or flat fee payment) in writing and signed, or otherwise verified, by all those involved.

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