WORK WITH
RYAN

FAQs

Who is Ryan Schmidt?

Ryan Schmidt, Esq. is a nationally recognized Music Lawyer, Entertainment Attorney, and Music Business Expert with over 20 years of industry experience. Based in Georgia and serving clients nationwide, Ryan has worked with artists, producers, and songwriters at all stages of their careers—from independent artists to platinum-selling stars. He’s been featured in CBS, LA Times, and The Washington Post for his legal insights on copyright law, record deals, music catalog sales, and the emerging impact of AI on the music industry. Ryan’s mission is simple: “Help artists win.”

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Do I need to "copyright" my music?

No - but you should. While your music is technically protected by copyright the moment it’s created and fixed in a tangible form (like a recording), you should "copyright" your music. Officially registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you the legal right to:

1. Sue for copyright infringement.

2. Collect statutory damages and attorney fees in lawsuits.

3. Enjoy a presumption of ownership in your work.
    

How do I collect all my music royalties?

To ensure you’re collecting 100% of the royalties you’re entitled to, you need to register with multiple agencies and platforms that handle different revenue streams. Here’s a breakdown of the major royalty types and where to collect them:

1. Performance Royalties (radio, TV, live shows). Register with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) like BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC.

2. Mechanical Royalties (streaming, downloads, physical sales). Register with The MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective) for U.S.-based streams.

3.  Sync Licensing Royalties (TV, film, commercials). You are paid either an all-in sync license fee, performance royalties, or both. 

4. Neighboring Rights Royalties/Digital Non-Interactive (SiriusXM, Pandora). Register with SoundExchange as a rights owner and featured artist.

5. Master Royalties (streaming, downloads, physical sales). Unless you are signed to a record label, these will be paid out directly from your distributor.
    

I was just offered a record deal from a record label—now what?

Stop. Don’t sign anything yet. Record deals are legally binding, and many standard contracts favor the label over the artist.

Here’s what to do:

1. Send the contract to an experienced music and entertainment attorney for review.

2. Communicate your goals with your attorney.

3. Understand key terms (royalty rates, recoupment, rights ownership, creative control).

4. Negotiate for better terms—labels expect artists to push back.

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Do I need a lawyer to review my record deal?

Absolutely! Record deals should not be entered without the assistance of a music and entertainment attorney. Without a lawyer, you could unknowingly sign away future rights and revenue streams.

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What is a music publishing deal?

A music publishing deal is an agreement where a publisher manages and monetizes your compositions (music and lyrics) in exchange for a share of the publishing income.

Types of publishing deals:

• Admin Deal: You keep ownership, publisher handles royalties (typical split: 85% artist / 15% publisher).

• Co-Publishing Deal: Income is split 50/50, with the publisher taking a more active role.

• Full Publishing Deal: The publisher owns 100% of the rights but offers higher advances.

Never negotiate or sign a publishing deal without the assistance of an experienced music and entertainment attorney.

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What is a music distribution deal?

A music distribution deal gets your music into stores (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc.) but may also include:

• Marketing support

• Advance payments

• Territory-specific distribution rights

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What is a music catalog deal?

A music catalog deal involves selling part or all of your catalog to another party (e.g., labels, private investors, or catalog funds) for a lump sum. The catalog sale can be for the master, the composition, or both.

Why sell?

• Immediate payout (great for funding new projects or personal investments).

• Tax advantages (depending on the structure of the sale).

• Passive income options (through partial sales or royalty-backed loans).

Catalog sales can be life-changing—but undervaluing your catalog and not knowing what you are giving up  are major risks. Always review catalog purchase deals with an experienced music and entertainment attorney.

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