Erk explained business management, paying bills, intellectual property. A master recording is when artist records track in studio, Erk said. Songwriter completes a song, Erk said. A self-published individual will write notes and lyrics, sends to copyright office in Washington D.C. Use license exists whether it is artist on internet who is not signed by a record label or record company, Erk explained. Royalty calculations have not change, he said, only distribution. Technology advances have changed the industry, Erk testified. Erk: For artist to release song must go to publisher of songwriter or major publishing company to exploit this particular songwriter's song. The publisher gets 50 cents for every song and artist gets 50 cents, Erk said. He explained the formula radio stations use to calculate and collect over the air royaltiesIn a Print, Folio (printed song material) a songwriter gets 10% of price, Erk testified. In Film, there's synchronization license to get the right to hear the song in the film. It requires a worldwide license. Used to be songwriter gives up right and becomes a member of staff, Erk explained. As Business evolved, biz managers became more savvy, writers wouldn't give up 100% of copyright, would sell 50% still get co-publishing deal
