Music publishing

One of them was Don Cook, who was experiencing great success with his production

of Brooks & Dunn. When Cook was offered a senior vice president of creative posi-

tion with Tree International (now known as Sony/ATV), the person he wanted to

work for him was Johnson.

When Cook formed his own production label, DKC Music, Johnson became the

liaison between DKC and the joint venture labels who handle promotion and market-

ing. While Cook handled the creative process of producing records, Johnson took

care of all the business affairs and financial transactions for the company, earning the

title of general manager of DKC Music. Seeking new challenges and more creative

opportunities, Johnson left Sony/ATV in early 2006 to work for mega-hit songwriter

and recording artist Bob DiPiero and his company Love Monkey Music. A year later,

he became a full-time production coordinator, servicing eight producers. "If you can

find a job where you can combine something that you love with something you get

paid to do everyday," said Johnson, "that's the best thing in the world."

JOB OVERVIEW

In this department, workers file paperwork to copyright music compositions, reg-

ister songs with the appropriate performance society (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) or Harry

Fox Agency and any other collection agents or representatives. They issue appropriate

licenses for use of songs (some administration personnel quote and negotiate syn-

chronization or other use fees), collect royalties for mechanical and performance use,

synchronization fees and ancillary income (commercials, advertisements, toys, and so

on), and disperse payments. Administration is often responsible for collecting lyrics

from staff writers, typing them, and logging them into the company system.

Administrative personnel process writers' advance payments and reconcile earnings.

PREREQUISITES

A knowledge of music copyright law and a general business background are nec-

essary.

POINTERS FOR THE JOB SEARCH

It is far less competitive to obtain a job in publishing administration than in the

creative or international department. If administration is your area of interest, you

stand a good chance of finding an entry level position at a large firm where you can

grow. At smaller companies you may be required to also act as receptionist and cre-

ative assistant. ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and Harry Fox Agency are also possible employ-

ers where you can gain experience.

Music publishing - Page 21