How Does a Music Composer Participate?

The music industry continues to grow and adapt to technological and consumer changes. In the first half of 2024, streaming consumption grew by 15.1%, demonstrating the increasing popularity of digital platforms as the main medium for music consumption. This growth has affected everyone involved in music creation, especially composers, who must adapt to new forms of distribution and monetization of their work. Additionally, composers often face legal challenges, as demonstrated by the recent lawsuit against Feid and his producers for using a guitar loop in "Ferxxo 100."

Composers are the architects of music, creating the melodies and lyrics that form the foundation of the songs we all enjoy. A composer’s participation in the music creation process spans various stages, and their role has evolved over time due to changes in technology and consumption trends.

In this article, we'll explore how a music composer participates in the industry, the legal challenges they face, and the impact of streaming growth on their work.

The Creative Process of a Composer

Creating Melodies and Lyrics

The first step in a composer’s creative process is crafting the melody and lyrics. This can start with an idea, a feeling, or a personal experience that the composer wants to express through music. Inspiration can come from many sources, and composers often work alone or collaborate with other writers and musicians to develop these ideas.

Arrangements and Production

Once the melody and lyrics are complete, the next step is to create the arrangements and produce the song. This can involve choosing instruments, creating vocal arrangements, and collaborating with producers and session musicians. Composers often work closely with producers to bring their musical vision to life and ensure the song has the desired impact.

Registering and Protecting Rights

It’s crucial for composers to register their songs and protect their copyrights. This ensures they receive credit and compensation for their work and can protect against unauthorized use of their compositions. Collective management organizations like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the United States play a crucial role in protecting composers' rights and collecting royalties.

Distribution and Promotion

With the song complete and protected, the next step is distribution and promotion. In the digital age, this often means uploading music to streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. The growth of streaming has significantly changed how composers and other music creators monetize their work. Promotion can involve creating music videos, managing social media, and collaborating with influencers and media outlets.

Legal Challenges in Music Composition

1. Copyright and Plagiarism

One of the biggest challenges composers face is protecting their copyrights and preventing plagiarism. A recent case illustrating these challenges is the lawsuit against Feid and his producers for using a guitar loop in the song "Ferxxo 100." The lawsuit alleges that the loop was used without permission, highlighting the importance of ensuring all elements of a song are properly licensed and authorized.

2. Licenses and Permissions

In addition to copyrights, composers must ensure they have all necessary licenses and permissions for any material they use in their compositions. This includes obtaining licenses for samples, loops, and other pre-recorded elements. Lack of proper licenses can lead to legal disputes and loss of income.

3. Collecting and Receiving Royalties

Collecting royalties is another critical aspect for composers. With the growth of streaming, the way royalties are calculated and distributed has changed. It’s essential for composers to be registered with collective management organizations and digital distribution platforms to ensure they receive all payments they’re entitled to.

The Impact of Streaming on Composers

Growth of Streaming

Streaming consumption grew by 15.1% in the first half of 2024, reflecting the increasing popularity of this form of music consumption. This growth has created new opportunities and challenges for composers. On one hand, streaming platforms offer an efficient way to reach global audiences and generate income. On the other hand, compensation from streaming can be less predictable and often lower compared to physical sales and digital downloads.

Adapting to New Business Models

Composers must adapt to new business models that have emerged with streaming. This includes understanding how streaming royalties are calculated, optimizing their presence on digital platforms, and using streaming data to improve their marketing and promotion strategies.

Collaborations, Co-Writing, and Co-Production

The streaming era has also fostered an increase in collaborations and co-writing. Composers often work with other artists, producers, and writers to create music that can have a greater impact on streaming charts. These collaborations can be beneficial but also require a clear delineation of rights and royalties to avoid conflicts.

The participation of a music composer in the industry is multifaceted and spans from creating melodies and lyrics to protecting rights and adapting to changes in music consumption. The growth of streaming and legal challenges like the case of Feid underscore the need for composers to be well-informed and protected in their rights. As the music industry continues to evolve, composers must be proactive in managing their careers and maximizing the opportunities offered by the digital market.

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