Overseas libraries

[AshleyHewitt]

Hi MLR,

Long time lurker, first time poster etc.

I just wanted to check a couple of things regarding how borders work with libraries:

a) If a library advertises its sub-publishers overseas, does that mean your work would appear in those libraries at the same level as the libraries’ own tracks? Or does it simply mean they handle the paperwork in that jurisdiction and your track would only be found through your original library?

b) Assuming you’re living in a country with a strong selection of music libraries in it, are there advantages to applying to home country libraries first, such as PRO payout speed, tax and bureaucracy? Or do you just go for the best-fitting library regardless of country?

Thanks!

[PeteJ]

It’s question that I’ve tried to answer but with little success, so I hope there’s some replies.

[muchasmusic]

Good Afternoon from the UK. I run MuchasMusic, a new exclusive library in the UK. We’re currently in discussion with a few publishers outside of the UK. We’re administered by the MCPS who collect on our behalf worldwide. If we sign a sub-publishing deal with a publisher, for instance in the States (depending on the deal of course) we’re allowing that company to administer our music in the agreed region using their software (or hardware) distribution platform. US clients could come direct to the UK and licence through us but that’s not why we signed a subpub. The publisher we sign with would handle search and distribution, marketing and any usage fees and admin on behalf of Muchas Music and it’s composers and pass on the money after taking their slice of the ever de-valuing pie.

It’s same the other way round. We would take music from a publisher outside of our territory, place within our library and market and licence through our own distribution platform. As we use the MCPS rate card then the fee’s for usage might differ from that of the rate card used in the states but that’s what the other party would be signing up too.

There are a few ways to arrange the deal itself but that’s another matter. Joining particular PRO’s may well help speed up payment depending where you are and the deals in place.

Matt

[AshleyHewitt]

Hi Matt,

What an absolutely spot on response – thank you so much.

Best of luck with the library! I’m a specialist electronic music writer, if you feel you will have any need for that in the future then let me know, we’ll exchange e-mail addresses.

Ash

[muchasmusic]

No problem at all Ashley. Please do contact me ‘gracias @ muchasmusic . com’ I’l love to hear what you’re up too.

Matt

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