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EVENT RECAP: The Art of ZHänrę - October 18, 2025
In mid-October, I boarded a spacecraft, or at least it felt that way. Nashville’s SoundCheck was transformed into planet T.A.O.Z. for “The Art of ZHänrę,” a fully immersive concert experience crafted by ZHänrę himself.
Nov 63 min read


Why Metadata Is the Unsung Hero of Your Music Catalog
If you're publishing or distributing your music, you need good metadata in order to get credited, discovered, and paid properly. Accurate metadata is also very valuable when it comes to copyright protection. Anything from your song title, to artist and featuring artist names, PRO affiliation, file format, and so much more - it's all metadata, and it all matters. Among the most important identifiers are the ISWC and ISRC numbers for a song as well as IPI numbers to identify cr
Oct 74 min read


ISWC, ISRC, and UPC: Codes to Know As an Independent Artist or Songwriter
From songwriting to distribution, industry-standard identifiers like the ISWC, ISRC, and UPC help track usage, organize metadata, and unlock key revenue streams. In this post, we’ll break down what each code is, who issues them, and how you can secure them as an independent artist or songwriter.
Jul 154 min read


Performance Royalties Explained: What They Are and How They Work
A song is considered public performance when it is performed in a public place or for an audience that is larger than just family and friends. Examples include live performances and songs played in public places like stores, restaurants, clubs, hotels, and many other venues. Songs played via radio, broadcast, or television, certain content posted on the internet (YouTube, social media, webcasts, etc.), and non-interactive streaming services are also considered public performa
Jun 147 min read


How Music Royalties Work on YouTube
What happens when a monetized video (uploaded by you or someone else) contains your original music? A micro-sync occurs when a piece of music is synced with the visuals of a YouTube video (or other small-scale content, like on social media). If that music is protected by copyright, there are multiple music royalties that may generate in addition to the video royalty.
May 84 min read


Album Review & Interview: Itz Jaleel Keeps It REAL
When an artist names their project REAL, you expect authenticity, and rising hip-hop artist Itz Jaleel delivers exactly that.
Mar 274 min read


Understanding Music Royalties: A Guide to the Different Types, How They’re Generated, and Who Collects Them
Music royalties are an important income stream, but if your music is not registered correctly in the right places, you're missing your $$$.
Feb 1311 min read


EPKs and One Sheets: Marketing Must-Haves for Independent Artists
EPKs and one sheets are essential to your growth as an independent artist and can get you connected to the right people.
Jan 33 min read


Event Recap: HAF & DIFFERENTLY 2024 Artist Showcase – October 18, 2024
It was an uplifting night for independent music at Topgolf Nashville’s venue The Cowan this past weekend, where newly formed non-profit...
Oct 23, 20243 min read


What Every Independent Musician Should Know About Music Copyrights in the U.S.
There are two different music copyrights. A musical work copyright protects a song’s composition (lyrics, melody, arrangement), and a sound recording copyright (aka the master) protects the actual recording of a song. Copyright exists as soon as an original work of authorship is fixed in a tangible medium. The creator of a work is known as an Author.
Oct 22, 202421 min read


Welcome to OCM
If you’re an independent musician, or someone like me who wants to help others on their own music journey – then this is for you.
Oct 18, 20243 min read
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