“If they don’t register their songs well, the song will be played , people can’t trace where to send your royalty and that is where they don’t make money,” she said.
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Gospel musician and music industry expert Diana Hopeson has urged musicians to take the necessary steps to protect their creative works, warning that poor registration and unfavourable contracts can leave artistes struggling to earn the royalties they deserve.
Speaking to Kafui Dey, Hopeson explained that musicians risk losing income when their songs are not properly registered, as users may be unable to identify the rightful owners and direct royalties to them.
“If they don’t register their songs well, the song will be played , people can’t trace where to send your royalty and that is where they don’t make money,” she said.
Beyond registration, Hopeson cautioned musicians against signing bad contracts that could disadvantage them financially or affect their ownership rights.
“Bad contracts,” she said, highlighting the risks artistes face when they enter unfavourable agreements with record labels, managers or others involved in their careers.
For independent musicians, Hopeson said learning the business side of the industry is just as important as developing their musical talent.
“If you are an indie person then you need to learn, learn about the industry. Don’t sit in the dark,” she advised.
She encouraged independent artists to register their copyrights, notify their collective management organisation whenever they release new music and consider working with a publisher.
According to Hopeson, publishers can assist musicians with managing their catalogues, ensuring their works are properly registered and pursuing royalty opportunities in other territories.
She also warned artistes to be cautious when sampling other people’s music, stressing the importance of obtaining permission before incorporating another person’s work into a new song.
“If you are going to do this, look for the person and talk to him or her first,” she said.
Hopeson cautioned that musicians who release songs containing another artiste’s work without properly addressing the associated rights could expose themselves to legal action.
Her advice ultimately centred on one message: musicians must understand the business and legal sides of their craft if they want to protect their music, ownership and income.
