In an era where independent artists and music creators are striving to gain fair recognition for their work, understanding intellectual property rights is more crucial than ever. The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) has been at the forefront of this mission, fostering awareness through its My Music, My Rights initiative. Season 2 of this impactful program commenced with an insightful session in Pune, engaging artists, industry professionals, and creative minds to explore the ever-evolving landscape of music rights and royalties.
The Mission of ‘My Music, My Rights’
The My Music, My Rights initiative is designed to educate and empower music creators by providing them with vital knowledge on copyright laws, royalty distribution, music publishing, and content monetization. With intellectual property forming the backbone of a sustainable music career, this initiative aims to bridge the knowledge gap, enabling creators to safeguard their work and optimize their earnings.
As digital platforms continue to redefine the music industry, artists must navigate complex revenue streams. By participating in this initiative, creators gain actionable insights into licensing, performance rights, and the role of organizations like IPRS in ensuring fair compensation.
An Informative and Engaging Session in Pune
The first session of My Music, My Rights Season 2 was hosted at Ajeenkya DY Patil University in Pune, drawing an enthusiastic audience of musicians, composers, lyricists, and industry experts. The event served as a knowledge-sharing platform where creators learned firsthand about their rights and how to leverage their intellectual property for long-term success.
Key Topics and Insights from the Event
The Pune session featured in-depth discussions and expert-led panels covering various aspects of the music industry. Some of the core topics explored included:
1. Intellectual Property and Creators’ Rights
One of the primary areas of focus was educating attendees on how copyright laws function in India. Understanding the nuances of mechanical rights, performance rights, and synchronization rights allows artists to secure their revenue streams and prevent unauthorized use of their work.
Music publishing is an essential aspect of a creator’s career, yet it remains a grey area for many independent artists. Experts provided a detailed breakdown of how publishing deals work, what artists should look for in agreements, and how platforms like IPRS ensure that songwriters and composers receive their due royalties.
3. Leveraging Digital Platforms and Monetization Strategies
The rise of streaming services and social media platforms has revolutionized the way music is consumed. The session highlighted the role of YouTube Music, Spotify, JioSaavn, and Apple Music in music monetization, offering practical strategies for independent artists to increase their reach and revenue.
4. Building a Sustainable Career in Music
Beyond financial aspects, the event also addressed the challenges that emerging artists face while establishing themselves. From branding and networking to collaborations and audience engagement, experts shared valuable strategies to help musicians sustain their careers in a highly competitive industry.
5. Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in the Music Ecosystem
An important theme of the session was the need for greater diversity and inclusivity in the Indian music industry. With representation from various backgrounds, panelists emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for underrepresented voices and supporting emerging artists through equitable platforms.
The event brought together some of the most respected professionals in the music industry who shared their experiences and expertise. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with industry leaders, gain mentorship, and ask questions that directly impact their music careers.
Among the key speakers were executives from major music publishing and streaming companies, independent artists who have successfully navigated the digital landscape, and legal experts specializing in intellectual property rights. Their collective insights provided a roadmap for attendees to understand how they can proactively protect their work and maximize their earning potential.
IPRS’s Commitment to Supporting Creators
Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, emphasized the importance of empowering creators through education and awareness. He highlighted that many artists are unaware of their rights, leading to missed opportunities and financial losses. The My Music, My Rights initiative seeks to change this by offering a platform where artists can learn, connect, and grow together.
In his address, he stated, “Seeing such a passionate response from the music creator community reaffirms our belief in this initiative. Our goal is to ensure that every creator, whether an emerging independent artist or an established professional, understands their rights and receives fair compensation for their work.”
Upcoming Sessions and Future Expansion
Building on the success of the Pune session, IPRS has announced a series of upcoming events in major cities across India. The initiative will continue in:
- Ahmedabad – February 6
- Bangalore – February 20
- Chennai – March 6
- Lucknow – March 26
- Patna – April 9
Each of these sessions will follow a similar format, ensuring that music creators across different regions have access to valuable information and industry insights.
Why This Matters for Independent Artists
For independent musicians, understanding music rights isn’t just about legal protection—it’s about career longevity and financial security. The rise of digital streaming, social media, and online distribution has given artists more control over their work, but it has also introduced complexities that require proper guidance.
By attending sessions like My Music, My Rights, artists can equip themselves with the knowledge needed to navigate contracts, royalties, licensing agreements, and new revenue opportunities. In addition, these events provide networking opportunities with industry professionals, potential collaborators, and mentors who can help shape an artist’s journey.
Final Thoughts: Shaping a More Equitable Music Industry
The My Music, My Rights initiative is a significant step toward creating a fair and transparent music industry where artists are recognized, compensated, and supported. Through education, collaboration, and industry engagement, IPRS is playing a vital role in ensuring that Indian music creators are not just heard but also rewarded for their contributions.
For any artist looking to take their career to the next level, understanding music rights is not an option—it’s a necessity. With IPRS leading the way, the future looks promising for independent musicians, composers, and songwriters across India.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights about the independent music business! If you’re an artist looking to explore new opportunities in music distribution, get in touch with Deliver My Tune to take your career to the next level!
