What is the difference of Music Distribution vs Publishing Administration?

Music distribution and publishing administration are two distinct but related aspects of the music industry.

Music distribution refers to the process of getting music from the artist or label to the end-user, typically through digital platforms such as streaming services (e.g. Spotify, Apple Music), online stores (e.g. iTunes), and physical retail outlets. The goal of music distribution is to make the artist's music widely available to as many people as possible, in order to increase visibility, reach, and sales.

Publishing administration, on the other hand, refers to the management of the rights and royalties associated with a piece of music. This includes tasks such as registering the song with performance rights organizations (PROs), collecting and distributing royalties from streams, downloads, and other uses of the music, and enforcing copyright protection. The goal of publishing administration is to ensure that the artists and rights holders receive proper payment for their work and that their rights are protected.

In summary, music distribution is about getting the music out to the public, while publishing administration is about managing the rights and royalties associated with the music. Both are important aspects of the music industry, and both play a critical role in helping artists and rights holders to succeed.