Music
Publishing 101
At Universal Music Publishing Group, we champion the songwriters, artists, and creative teams behind the music that moves the world - helping unlock the power and potential of every song.
In our new Music Publishing 101 series, you'll meet the teams supporting the creators behind countless global hits and beloved deep cuts alike - and get an inside look at the creativity, collaboration, and expertise that help songs go global.
Designed to demystify the world of music publishing, Music Publishing 101 features short-form videos featuring members of UMPG’s global team explaining key aspects of the business - from A&R and sync licensing to royalties and administration - while providing an inside look at how music publishers support songwriters at every stage of their careers.
New videos will be posted weekly across Universal Music Publishing Group’s digital and social platforms, including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
MUSIC PUBLISHING 101
#1 - How Music Publishers Match Songs with Artists
Deeba Abrishamchi
Director of A&R at Universal Music Publishing Group
Ever wonder how a song makes it from a songwriter's laptop to your favorite artist's album? In the first episode of Music Publishing 101, Deeba Abrishamchi, Director of A&R at UMPG, breaks down the role publishers play in connecting songs with artists - and helping great songs find their way into the world.
MUSIC PUBLISHING 101
#2 - What is Music Publishing?
Marc Cimino
Chief Operating Officer at Universal Music Publishing Group
What is music publishing - and why does it matter? Music publishers play a crucial role in in helping songs, and the people who write them, thrive. Behind every song is a network of people working to protect, promote, and create opportunities for songwriters and their work.
In Episode 2 of Music Publishing 101, Marc Cimino, Chief Operating Officer at UMPG, breaks down the fundamentals of music publishing - and explains how it can build and enhance the value of a song.
MUSIC PUBLISHING 101
#3 - What is a Sync?
Sebastian Platner
Sr. Director, Film & TV Creative at Universal Music Publishing Group
The right song can turn a great scene into an unforgettable one.
In this episode of Music Publishing 101, Sebastian Platner, Sr. Director, Film & TV Creative at UMPG, breaks down how songs make their way into movies, TV shows, commercials, and video games - and what UMPG's Sync team does behind the scenes to make it happen.
MUSIC PUBLISHING 101
#4 - Why Every Songwriter Needs a Publisher
David Kokakis
Chief Counsel, Business Affairs at Universal Music Publishing Group
Behind every great song is a team working to protect it, champion it, and maximize its potential.
David Kokakis, Chief Counsel at UMPG, explains what a music publisher actually does - from negotiating deals and collecting royalties around the world, to protecting copyrights, creating new opportunities for songs, and advocating for stronger songwriter protections.
A publisher's role extends far beyond administration. It's about helping songwriters build sustainable careers while ensuring their work is protected and valued.
MUSIC PUBLISHING 101
#5 - Music Law Explained: Who Owns The Song?
Whitney Smith
Associate Director, Business Affairs at Universal Music Publishing Group
Who actually owns a song?
Whitney Smith, Associate Director of Business Affairs at UMPG, breaks down one of the most important concepts in music publishing: song ownership.
Who owns the master and who owns the composition? And within that composition – how are the rights structured between artists, co-writers and producers?
Having a clear understanding of music rights is important for anyone working within the music industry – from songwriters just starting out, to music supervisors looking to license a song for their next project.
MUSIC PUBLISHING 101
#6 - What Is Advance Recoupment in Music Publishing
Kevin Cady
Head of Finance, the Americas & EVP Global Business Strategy at Universal Music Publishing Group
In the latest episode of Music Publishing 101 we look at recoupment in music publishing. How do songwriter advances work? How can songwriters keep track of royalty payments? And what does it mean to be recouped?
Kevin Cady Head of Finance, the Americas & EVP Global Business Strategy at UMPG, breaks it down.
MUSIC PUBLISHING 101
#7 - What We Look for in a Songwriter?
Hollie Boston
Director of A&R at Universal Music Publishing Group
Discovering great songwriters is only the beginning. Supporting them to build enduring careers is the real - and most rewarding - work.
In the latest edition of Music Publishing 101, Hollie Boston, Director of A&R at UMPG, shares the qualities our A&R team looks for when discovering and developing songwriting talent.
The strongest careers are built on more than a single great song; having a distinctive musical identity is key - whilst still being versatile and able to collaborate with an artist and understand their vision.
Our A&R teams work with songwriters at every stage - helping them develop their creative voice and finding ways to break down barriers. It’s all about timing, connection, and the perfect song for the moment.
MUSIC PUBLISHING 101
#7 - How Songwriters Get Paid
Stephen Francis
Vice President, Global Finance at Universal Music Publishing Group
Whether performed live at a concert, streamed online, featured in a TV series, or even played in the grocery store - a song can generate income in multiple ways.
In the latest edition of Music Publishing 101, Stephen Francis, Vice President of Global Finance at UMPG, breaks down the three core royalty streams every songwriter should know: mechanical, performance, and sync.
Understanding how these royalty streams work is an essential part of building a sustainable career as a songwriter.
MUSIC PUBLISHING 101
#8 - How We Pitch Songs for TV, Movies & Ads
Mandy Gabriel
VP Film, TV & Advertising at Universal Music Publishing Group
Every memorable music moment on screen begins with a creative partnership.
In the latest edition of Music Publishing 101, Mandy Gabriel, VP of Film, TV & Advertising at UMPG, shares how the Sync team works with music supervisors, filmmakers, advertising agencies, gaming companies and brands to match the right songs with the right stories.
Sync is both an art and a strategy: from interpreting creative briefs to narrowing millions of copyrights into carefully curated pitches – at the core is understanding the story a project is trying to tell.