Frequently asked questions
Questions about rights & royalties
What are copyrights? How do I get them?
Copyrights arise automatically as soon as you create an original work, such as a song or lyrics. You don’t need to apply for them, but you do need to manage them in order to get paid. We can assist with registration and administration.
What are neighboring rights and how do they differ?
Neighboring rights apply to performing artists and producers - not to the song itself, but to the recording. Copyrights = creator - neighboring rights = performer/producer
We can handle the registration and follow-up of these rights.
Do I need to be a member of SABAM or PlayRight to get paid?
Yes. SABAM handles copyrights, PlayRight covers neighboring rights for artists, and SIMIM for producers. Without membership, these organizations cannot collect your income. We can guide you through the entire process - from registration to correct reporting of your music
Can I miss out on royalties if I don’t register?
Yes. The rights exist, but no one will collect that money for you without proper registration. We can ensure everything is filed correctly and on time with the right organizations.
What if I’ve already released music without arranging anything?
You can often claim rights retroactively, but the sooner you arrange this, the better - since there are limitations.
What if I collaborate with other artists or producers?
Make clear agreements about percentages and put them in writing before release. This avoids disputes later on. We can advise you and help with proper registration to prevent conflicts afterward.
What happens to my rights if I’m no longer a client?
What we have arranged for you will continue to run. If you stop using our services, you can follow up on these rights yourself or have them managed elsewhere. In any case, all rights always remain your property. We only manage the administration for as long as you work with us.
Questions about digital distribution & fingerprinting
How does my music get on Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok?
Buzzard Music handles distribution to all major platforms. You provide us with the track and the accompanying info, and we take care of the rest, including metadata, fingerprinting, and more.
What is digital fingerprinting?
Digital fingerprinting automatically recognizes your music on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for rights management and monitoring.
How does Buzzard Music activate this and how do I earn from it?
We register your tracks in fingerprinting databases, so you get paid when your music is used on social media or YouTube.
Do I get money if my music is used on social media?
Yes, provided fingerprinting and rights management are properly set up.
What if someone uses my track without permission?
With active fingerprinting, this is usually tracked automatically. Otherwise, we assist with claims.
When do I get paid for streams or downloads?
Payouts are usually made semi-annually. We provide you with a clear overview and ensure payment.
Questions about radio, podcasts & labels
Is there a guarantee that my track will get on the radio?
No, nobody can guarantee that but we significantly increase your chances. We make sure your release is delivered professionally to the right contacts. Our experience and network boost the visibility of your track, and with that, the likelihood of it being picked up by one or more radio stations.
Can you help if I’m already signed to a label?
Yes, we also work with labels for promotion or distribution. We can provide support at any level - even as an addition to an existing team or structure.
How do I get a podcast online?
We set up an RSS feed and distribute your podcast automatically to all major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, and more than 20 other services. You provide the audio file and the necessary info - we take care of the rest. We can even help with the recordings if needed!
