Marc Caruso wrote a new op-ed published in Billboard titled, “Why It’s Time for Indie Publishers to Get Angry.” In the op-ed, explains the disadvantages that indie music publishers are facing and will continue to face in 2025, including licensing and financial disadvantages compared to majors, increasing competition and costs, fewer income streams, and more.
The music publishing industry has long been a battlefield, with independent publishers often struggling against the overwhelming dominance of the majors. Companies like Warner Chappell, Sony Music Publishing and Universal Music Publishing Group control vast resources and have significant influence due to their connections with their major record label counterparts, making it difficult for indies to compete.
– Marc Caruso, Billboard
Despite these challenges, independent publishers continue to embody the spirit of creativity and resilience, navigating the obstacles with unparalleled determination in the face of industry issues including licensing and financial disadvantages, increasing competition and costs, fewer income streams, and more that threaten to push us out of business. Recently, these obstacles have intensified, demanding a more assertive and determined approach from indie publishers. As we progress through 2024 and look ahead to 2025, the reasons for our frustration are pressing and undeniable.