The Music Publisher: Role, Functions, Services, and Added Value
Session by Jonathan Gourmel
This masterclass is dedicated to understanding the key role of the music publisher in the music industry. It looks at copyright, pointing out that it belongs to the author, who is free to work alone or in partnership with a publisher to manage and exploit his or her rights. The distinction between publisher and producer is also clarified, as each player has different rights: the publisher manages copyright, while the producer deals with neighbouring rights relating to sound recordings. The masterclass also explores the process of creating, protecting and collecting rights via administrative procedures, including the necessary filings with collective management societies such as SACEM.
In addition, the masterclass highlights the importance of collective and individual rights management, explaining why and how they co-exist. It also presents the organisation of a music publishing company, with various functions such as rights management, legal protection and the exploitation of works (including synchronisation). The monitoring of rights and their constant exploitation are crucial points covered, as are the economic aspects linked to the collection of rights. Finally, we shall look at the key elements of a contract between an author and a publisher, including aspects such as the assignment of rights, remuneration, and the duration of the agreement, which are crucial to ensuring effective and fair exploitation of the work.
Speaker’s Bio
Jonathan Gourmel
Jonathan Gourmel has a 20+ years experience in the music industry, first starting as a Head of A&R and Marketing Director at independent Naïve records. He then created Foxtrot in 2010, a marketing consultancy working with a diverse roster of clients: brands such as Heineken, Givenchy Perfumes or Carlsberg, and labels like Ninja Tune, Soundway, Island UK, etc.
After 10 years in this capacity, Jonathan switched roles to become a publisher, joining the renowned InFiné company in 2022 as Head of Publishing. As a side gig, he is also president of the Fortune management company, whose aim is to develop up and coming acts in all styles of music.
