Thando Makhunga, the Managing Director of Africa's largest independent music publisher, Sheer Publishing, recently shared invaluable insights on the significance of music publishing for artists and bands. Let's delve into the highlights of our conversation courtesy of Indie Does It.
Understanding the Role of a Publisher
In a world where the roles of a publisher and publicist might get confused, Thando clarifies that a publisher is crucial for managing the business side of art. She emphasises the often-overlooked aspects of copyright management, licensing, and royalty accounting, ensuring artists are well-protected and compensated for the diverse usage of their content across various platforms.
Sheer Publishing's Mission
With over 25 years of empowering African creatives, Sheer Publishing, in collaboration with Downtown Music Publishing, strives to create more opportunities for artists. Thando underscores their commitment to exposing African talent to new markets, sharing the joy derived from finding value for works in unexpected places, and uses the hypothetical example of securing a sync for a local artist on an international platform like NBA 2K.
Building Your Catalogue
Thando stresses the importance of building a catalogue for aspiring artists and bands. She dispels the misconception that only big hits generate revenue, highlighting the potential success of album cuts. For emerging bands in places like Durban or Cape Town, the advice is clear: consistently feed the creative monster to build a catalogue that can earn over time.
Monetisation and Success Tips
Taking the opportunity to explore the ways artists can make a living through music, Thando shares essential tips. She encourages creators not to limit themselves, citing an example of a small indie pop band from Boston finding success in creating music specifically for brands and retail outlets despite struggling to breakout commercially. The key is to remain open to collaboration across genres and territories, echoing the sentiments of industry icons like Pharrell Williams and Rick Rubin. Thando emphasises the importance of continuous creation, urging artists to explore opportunities beyond their usual workflow, even collaborating with brands to diversify their skillset.
Conclusion
By understanding the multifaceted role of a publisher, recognising Sheer Publishing's mission, building a robust catalogue, and embracing diverse opportunities, artists can navigate the music industry with a strategic approach, increasing their chances of long-term success.
Listen to the full episode here. If you’d like to work with Sheer Publishing drop them an email here.
