Understanding Royalties in the Streaming Age
A comprehensive guide for artists, producers, and labels on navigating the digital revenue landscape.
The Digital Shift: From Physical to Perpetual Streams
The music industry has undergone a seismic shift. While the physical era relied on unit sales, the streaming age functions on micro-payments and fractional ownership. At Cadence Contracts, we understand that while the medium has changed, the fundamental right to be compensated for your creativity remains absolute.
Mechanical Royalties
Generated when music is reproduced—even digitally. In the UK, these are managed by organizations like MCPS. Every stream involves a technical reproduction of your work, and you deserve your share of that mechanical fee.
Performance Royalties
Earned when your music is played in public—including radio, live venues, and streaming platforms. PRS for Music monitors these public performances to ensure songwriters and publishers are remunerated.
The Role of PROs: PRS and PPL
Navigating the UK's Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) is essential. While **PRS** handles the rights for songwriters, composers, and publishers, **PPL** ensures that performers and record labels get paid when the recorded version of a track is played. Cadence Contracts ensures your registrations are accurate, preventing thousands in lost revenue.
How We Protect Your Revenue
Royalty statements from labels and distributors can be hundreds of pages long and notoriously difficult to parse. Cadence Contracts provides:
- Comprehensive Audits: We verify that the accounting matches your contract terms.
- Dispute Management: If revenue is being withheld or miscalculated, we intervene.
- Negotiation: Structuring better "at-source" royalty deals for future releases.
Get What You're Owed
Don't leave your financial future to chance. Let the London experts in music legalities secure your legacy.
Schedule a Royalty Review