TuneCore’s Music Publishing team works with a diverse community of songwriters, helping them collect the worldwide royalties generated by their compositions. Today we’re shining a spotlight on one of the talented songwriters in our community, independent music producer Drehz, whose instrumental arrangements have been used on shows like Dancing with the Stars and Dance Moms. We caught up with Drehz to learn about his journey as a songwriter and find out what results he’s seen since signing up with TuneCore Music Publishing…
How were you collecting and managing your songwriter royalties before becoming a TuneCore music publishing administration client?
Before becoming a TuneCore client I wasn’t able to collect my royalties as an independent producer. TuneCore is working on my behalf to collect thousands of dollars in royalties I would have not seen if I was trying to figure it out on my own.
Why did you decide to get a publishing deal with TuneCore?
I decided to go with TuneCore from a referral of another independent musician/friend.
You’re a versatile producer, especially known for your work in hip hop and dance music. Have you noticed any trends in genre popularity?
I have definitely seen a trend in the style of music I’ve produced. I’ve had many requests from around the globe, starting in the U.S., then Canada, and now my compositions are recognized in over 60 countries worldwide.
Can you talk about your journey as a songwriter? Were there particular challenges you faced early on in your career (or some you still face today)?
There have and will always be challenges in writing. That’s what makes the journey fun. To stay progressive, you have to look for new ideas, new experiences, and work hard. Having a team is always a blessing, and collaboration is key.
I travel a lot and work through mobile with other writers and producers. Advancements in technology have only benefited us by making it easier to share ideas across the globe.
What has been the most lucrative publishing revenue stream for you?
The most lucrative publishing revenue stream has been from synching my music with television networks, and also through digital streaming.
How did TuneCore Publishing play a role in helping negotiate sync licensing opportunities that came your way?
TuneCore has helped negotiate sync licenses for my music placements on television. When I’ve gotten outside requests for TV features, the TuneCore Publishing team has handled the negotiations and paperwork and they’ve secured fair fees for the use of my music.
Is there a sense of loyalty with shows or productions that use your music? Do you notice a snowballing in placements from this kind of publicity?
Yes, a lot of my requests worldwide have been due to people hearing my music on television, or finding it through social media.
Have any of the royalties you’ve received come from a source that surprised you?
I’ve received royalties in over 60 countries, some of which I’ve never heard of before. I’m happy to be able to make such an impact with my music.
What do you think is the biggest opportunity for songwriters related to music publishing?
The biggest opportunity for songwriters is the exposure they will get.
How do you see the role of the songwriter shifting as the music industry continues to evolve?
As the music industry continues to evolve, I see songwriters being able to create more opportunities themselves. With the help of companies like TuneCore, songwriters now have the knowledge and resources to learn the business. Songwriters are able to spend more time on the creative side and do what they do best—write—while trusting a publishing administrator to handle the rest.
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