9 Jan

Why Opt for Royalties, in Composers’ Own Words

We’re a community of, for, and by composers, songwriters, music producers, and creators. Making resources and advice public, free, and accessible to all has always been part of the mission and we’re thrilled to see Your Music, Your Future communities growing on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter . Keep an eye on your inbox for some insightful information for the community (young composers in particular) in the next few weeks and be sure to check out a few of the videos that career composers have created for folks who are just starting out in the meantime.

John Powell: “The question is, are you going to cut yourself off from the potential income that you could get for the rest of your life?”

John Powell: Your Music, Your Future

How to Train Your Dragon and Bourne franchise composer John Powell on the valued role royalties have played in his career.

Posted by Your Music, Your Future on Thursday, May 9, 2019

David Vanacore: “I had three young children and I was a struggling composer. The royalties were one of the things that kept me going.”

David Vanacore: Your Music, Your Future

These days, David Vancore creates music for shows like Survivor and Hell's Kitchen. Hear him explain how, early on, royalties helped him provide for his kids and "stay in the game" between gigs.

Posted by Your Music, Your Future on Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Joel Beckerman: “I can honestly say that everything I have now, financially, all came from having performance royalties for the shows that I’ve worked on.”

Joel Beckerman: Your Music, Your Future

"This is a hit-driven business. We are all able to earn a living, basically, on the money we make for our hits." – Joel Beckerman pinpoints why negotiating for royalties is a game-changer for composers.

Posted by Your Music, Your Future on Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Nathan Barr: “Hold tight when you’re starting out, and understand that royalties stream will grow and grow and grow.”

Nathan Barr: Your Music, Your Future

A message for young composers about their great worth, from Nathan Barr, the creator of soundtracks forThe Americans, True Blood, Hostel (Movie) and more.

Posted by Your Music, Your Future on Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Mark T. Williams: “It’s critically important that we as a collective body are aligned.”

Mark Williams: Your Music, Your Future

"It's critically important that we as a collective body are aligned."Thank you to Mark Williams for his strong message of support, and for standing up for the next generation of composers.

Posted by Your Music, Your Future on Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Jeff Cardoni: “Performance royalties: you owe it to yourself to find out what it means.” It just might mean the difference between getting a gig and having a career.

Jeff Cardoni: Your Music, Your Future

Silicon Valley and CSI: Miami composer Jeff Cardoni on why young composers owe it to themselves to learn about performance royalties early in their career.

Posted by Your Music, Your Future on Monday, May 6, 2019

Mateo Messina: “A bird in hand is so tempting, but as a composer, we live and die by our royalties.”

Mateo Messina: Your Music, Your Future

Great metaphor from film composer #MateoMessina: think of performance royalties like investment properties. You set a few up, they build over time, and they can support you for life.

Posted by Your Music, Your Future on Friday, June 21, 2019

Didier Lean-Rachou: “I would encourage all young composers to carefully consider the long-term effects of signing away your rights at this early stage in your career.”

Didier Lean Rachou: Your Music, Your Future

Hear from composer Didier Lean Rachou about the moment when his royalties went from being nice-to-have to absolutely essential.

Posted by Your Music, Your Future on Friday, May 10, 2019

Thank you for being part of this critical conversation—and for helping to lay the groundwork that will empower young composers to make career choices with confidence.