Join us on Thursday, May 29 at 2:00 PM EST at this essential webinar. 

You will learn how to:

1. Develop Your Skills:

Refine your songwriting abilities by experimenting with different genres, styles, and techniques. Focus on writing unique, memorable melodies and lyrics. 

2. Network and Build Relationships:

Attend industry events, writers' nights, and workshops to connect with publishers and songwriters. Meet publishers and mix with their writers to build a network. 

3. Craft a Strong Pitch:

Prepare a professional-looking pitch package that includes:

- High-quality demos of your songs. 

- A well-written cover letter highlighting your strengths and accomplishments. 

- Links to your website and other online presence. 

- Videos of your performances. 

4. Seek and Accept Feedback:

Be open to constructive criticism and feedback from publishers and other industry professionals. This can help you refine your songwriting and improve your chances of landing a deal

. 

5. Co-write:

Collaborating with other songwriters, especially those who are already signed, can provide valuable experience and increase your visibility. 

6. Be Persistent and Patient:

Securing a publishing deal takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't get an immediate "yes." Keep working on your craft, networking, and pitching your songs. 

7. Protect Your Intellectual Property:

Ensure you understand and protect your songwriting rights by working with a lawyer or a trusted advisor.

8. Consider Different Types of Deals:

Explore various types of publishing deals, including exclusive and non-exclusive agreements, and understand the implications of each type. 

9. Understand the Role of a Music Publisher:

A music publisher manages the administrative and business aspects of a songwriter's work, including licensing, collecting royalties, and promoting the songs

. 

10. Research Publishers

Understand what kind of music a publisher is known for, and tailor your pitch to their specific interests

CEO, Kilometre Music Group

Michael McCarty is a respected veteran music publishing executive with a successful track record in catalog acquisition, talent discovery, and business development. He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2019 for his significant impact on the Canadian music industry.

Michael co-founded Kilometre Music Group Inc. with Rodney Murphy after leaving his role as Chief Membership Officer at the Canadian Performing Rights Organization (“PRO”) referred to as The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (“SOCAN”), where he led a team of 40 people who were instrumental in building SOCAN’s world-class catalog, by repatriating and recruiting the top Canadian songwriters, who currently dominate the global charts.

Starting as a recording engineer under the legendary record producers Jack Richardson (The Guess Who) and Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper), Michael worked on Pink Floyd’s The Wall, and with Neil Young.

Shifting to music publishing with ATV Music Canada, he worked directly with Michael Jackson following Jackson’s acquisition of the Beatles catalog, spending 6 years with EMI in L.A., where he co-signed the group Wilson Phillips (Hold On). He was subsequently appointed President of EMI Canada, where he began an unprecedented 17 year run of success developing and signing artists such as Billy Talent, City and Colour, Sum 41, Three Days Grace, Matthew Good, Moist, Nelly Furtado, and producer/writers Gavin Brown and Simon Wilcox.

Prior to joining SOCAN in 2014, Mr. McCarty was President of one of the world’s largest independent music rights companies, the Ontario Teacher’s Pension Fund’s music royalty investment Anthem (formerly Ole), where among other achievements he acquired the catalog and futures rights of superstar hip hop producer Timbaland.

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mccarty-48b5683/

Director of Creatve & Operations, Kilometre Music Group

Melissa Cameron-Passley is the Director of Creative & Operations at Kilometre Music Group, where she oversees A&R,Director, Crea writer/producer management, programming, partnerships, and operations. With a strong focus on fostering creative and business relationships, she supports both established and emerging talent in the music industry.

Melissa's work has notably contributed to the success of global creative achievements, including chart-toppers like The Weeknd, Jessie Reyez, and Tate McRae, as well as OZ (Drake, Travis Scott, Future), Aaron Paris (Ariana Grande, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Drake), Lowell (Beyoncé, The Beaches, Charlie XCX), and Ging, formerly known as Frank Dukes (Post Malone, Camila Cabello). Her extensive industry experience includes serving as the Manager of A&R at SOCAN, where she helped refine the craft of Canadian talent. 

Additionally, Melissa is a board member of Music Publishers Canada and the CCMA Board of Directors.

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-cameron-passley-69403357/

President - Entertainment Marketer, Publisher - Entertainment Spotlight

Jim Norris was born in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

Born to musical parents, he became heavily involved in music during high school, playing trumpet and then drums. He studied music at University of Toronto and then played professionally for 7 years, recording and touring with bands Taxi, Tote Family and Seadog.

In 1979, he launched Canadian Musician magazine in Toronto. Later that year, the newly formed company, Norris-Whitney Communications, launched Canadian Music Trade magazine. NWC published the printed programs for the Juno Awards, the Toronto Arts Awards, The Canadian Stage Band Festival, The CASBY Awards, the Canadian Country Music Awards and the Toronto Music Awards. In 1983, NWC published the 1stedition of Music Directory Canada. In the 1980s, NWC launched a distribution service, Music Books Plus, specializing in books, videos, software on music, pro audio and lighting.

In 1990 Norris-Whitney launched Professional Sound magazine and in 1997 launched Professional Lighting and Production magazine. 

NWC ceased opeartions in October 2023

In 2023, with partner Maureen Jack, he launcxhed Entertainment Marketer and Entertainment Spotlight

He has conducted seminars and webinars on Advertising, the Internet, the Music Business, Self Promotion and database marketing online and at trade shows in Canada and the U.S.

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jimnorris2020/