A little holiday spirit in the summer sets the perfect mood for real talk about the music business. In this festive episode of Taking Care of Your Music Business, Jamie Dominguez of The MLC celebrates "Christmas in July" at Nashville's beloved Santa's Pub with two remarkable guests. Grammy-nominated songwriter Shane Stevens has penned hits for Carrie Underwood, Lady A, Selena Gomez, Walker Hayes, Meghan Trainor, and Ariana Grande, and co-wrote a song that went viral on TikTok before earning seven-times Platinum certification. He's joined by Tekitha Washington — artist, creative entrepreneur, and co-creator of the genre-bending mother-daughter act O.N.E The Duo — who is celebrated for her soulful voice and work with Wu-Tang Clan. After being signed to Epic Records, she went on to build her career as her own executive, protecting her artistic vision.

Shane, Tekitha, and Jamie unpack the realities of building a sustainable, authentic career. They break down the different types of publishing deals — co-publishing, full publishing, and administration — the role of performing rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, and why split sheets and catalog ownership matter more than you might think. They also get honest about protecting your mental health and creative energy against the pressure of the "9-to-5" songwriting grind. Tune in for practical advice to help you take care of your music business.

Watch all our full episodes on YouTube here and learn more about The MLC and our mission to ensure songwriters and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. accurately and on time here. 

Real independence in music starts with owning what you create. In this episode of Taking Care of Your Music Business, Jamie Dominguez of The MLC sits down with Dawn Richard —visionary artist, entrepreneur, songwriter, and multi-hyphenate creative. Dawn rose through Danity Kane and Dirty Money before building an acclaimed independent career, with sync placements ranging from Adult Swim to FIFA and Madden, an admin deal with Kobalt, and a seat on the Recording Academy's New York board. Recorded live at NOLA Music Con in New Orleans, this conversation digs into rights, royalties, and resilience — and what it really takes to be your own CEO. 

Dawn shares the hard lessons that shaped her path, from signing contracts to negotiating for her own masters and fighting for fair splits. She and Jamie explore why diversifying your revenue streams matters, how the right IPI numbers and accurate metadata can unlock real opportunities, and how The MLC works to collect the streaming mechanical royalties you've earned.  

Watch all our full episodes on YouTube here and learn more about The MLC and our mission to ensure songwriters and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. accurately and on time here. 

Where creativity meets commerce, the most powerful careers in music are built. In this episode of Taking Care of Your Music Business, Jamie Dominguez of The MLC sits down with Shannon Sanders — three-time Grammy winner, three-time Emmy winner, and Dove Award winner, who serves as Executive Director of Creative at BMI's Nashville office. With more than 25 years across soul, R&B, gospel, and roots music, and collaborations with John Legend, Chris Stapleton, and many more, Shannon brings a rare dual perspective as both a celebrated creator and a music executive.  

Shannon and Jamie dig into what it really means to think like a business owner while staying true to your craft, why understanding your rights and royalties is essential, and how BMI often serves as a creator's first relationship in the industry. They also tackle AI's growing impact on ownership and intellectual property—and why claiming your work and keeping your metadata accurate matters more than ever. Whether you're a songwriter, performer, or producer, you'll come away with practical wisdom to protect your work and build a lasting career. Listen now. 

Watch all our full episodes on YouTube here and learn more about The MLC and our mission to ensure songwriters and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. accurately and on time here. 

Owning your work is where real, lasting wealth in music begins. In this episode of Taking Care of Your Music Business, The MLC’s Jamie Dominguez sits down with Grammy-winning, multi-platinum producer Jerry "Wonda" Duplessis — the creative force behind The Fugees' The Score, Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie," Santana's "Maria Maria," Whitney Houston's "My Love Is Your Love," and countless other global hits. Recorded live from SXSW in Austin, this conversation digs into the business behind the beats, including how Jerry bought back and now owns 100% of his catalog, and why he refuses to sell. 

Jerry shares the hard-earned lessons that shaped his career, from understanding publishing and royalties early to the importance of owning your masters, building a legacy, and marketing yourself as an artist. Whether you're a songwriter, producer, or music professional, you'll walk away with practical insights to help you protect what you create and build a career that lasts. Tune in and take notes. 

Watch all our full episodes on YouTube here and learn more about The MLC and our mission to ensure songwriters and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. accurately and on time here. 

Understanding where your royalties come from is the first step to making sure you collect every dollar you've earned. In this episode of Taking Care of Your Music Business, The MLC’s Jamie Dominguez sits down with Andrew Wetzel — musician, label owner of Oxide Records, music publisher, artist manager, and co-founder of the pioneering band Attack! Attack!. This conversation breaks down the science of streaming royalties and demystifies how your music actually gets paid. 

Andrew and Jamie unpack the "Holy Trinity" of royalty payments — your PRO, The MLC, and SoundExchange — and clear up the crucial difference between mechanical and performance royalties. They explain why having a publishing entity doesn't mean you're collecting your mechanicals, why IPI numbers and accurate metadata matter, and how to track your splits from day one. Whether you're a songwriter, performer, or independent creator, you'll walk away with practical steps to clean up your data and collect everything you're owed.  

Watch all our full episodes on YouTube here and learn more about The MLC and our mission to ensure songwriters and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. accurately and on time here. 

In today’s music industry, talent alone isn’t enough. To truly succeed, creators need more than a mic—they need a map. Join Prophet, Co-Founder, President & CEO of the Black Music Action Coalition and CEO of 50/50 Music Group and Tammy Hurt, Entertainment Executive, Entrepreneur, and Drummer, in conversation with Jamie Dominguez, National Director of Industry Relations at The MLC, live from Atlanta, to unpack what it really takes to succeed in music—protecting your rights, maximizing your royalties, and building a lasting, sustainable career. 

Whether you’re a songwriter, producer, or music professional, there’s valuable insight here to help you navigate your journey and take your career to the next level.

Watch all our full episodes on YouTube here and learn more about The MLC and our mission to ensure songwriters and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. accurately and on time here. 

As the music industry continues to evolve, understanding how royalties flow has never been more critical. This episode brings together experts from The MLC and SoundExchange, live from Mondo.NYC, to break down today’s key royalty streams for songwriters, artists, and rightsholders. 

From digital audio mechanicals and performance royalties to neighboring rights and unclaimed income, you’ll gain insights into how royalties are generated, matched, and paid—and what professionals and creatives alike can do to ensure no money is left on the table. 

Whether you’re a music creator or work in management, publishing, label operations, or other parts of the industry, this conversation will help you better support your clients and navigate the increasingly complex world of music royalties. 

Watch all our full episodes on YouTube here and learn more about The MLC and our mission to ensure songwriters and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. accurately and on time here. 

What does it really take to turn your music into a sustainable career in today’s streaming world? In this episode of Taking Care of Your Music Business, host Ben Parker sits down with award-winning songwriter Sacha Skarbek and The MLC’s Jamie Dominguez to explore the business side of music creation.

From adopting a CEO mindset to understanding that music is both art and business, this episode dives into the strategies, community support, and transparency needed to thrive. Learn how The MLC helps songwriters collect streaming mechanical royalties and why diversifying your revenue streams is key to long-term success.

This conversation offers practical insights on balancing creativity with business smarts—and guidance on registering with The MLC to make sure you’re collecting everything you’ve earned.

Watch all our full episodes on YouTube here and learn more about The MLC and our mission to ensure songwriters and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. accurately and on time here. 

Legendary songwriter, producer, and mentor Rico Love sits down with The MLC’s Jamie Dominguez on this episode of Taking Care of Your Music Business to share the lessons behind his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to industry icon.

Rico reflects on pivotal career moments, from breakthrough collaborations to navigating different creative environments, and shares strategies for understanding your rights and collecting royalties. He also explores the power of community and mentorship through his work with the We Love Music conference and as co-chair of the Black Music Collective.

 Whether you’re an emerging songwriter or a seasoned creator, this conversation delivers practical advice on persistence, integrity, and thriving in today’s music business. Learn how understanding the system—including streaming royalties and innovative platforms—can help maximize your revenue streams and build a lasting career.

Watch all our full episodes on YouTube here and learn more about The MLC and our mission to ensure songwriters and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. accurately and on time here. 

Join songwriter Anthony Smith as he takes us through his journey in the music industry, revealing how he balances songwriting with managing the business side. In this episode, Anthony discusses the realities of the songwriting business, offering tips on how songwriters can effectively manage their money, protect their intellectual property, and maximize earnings. He also explains the important role that organizations like The MLC play in ensuring that creators get paid for every use of their work. Tune in for a mix of personal stories, industry insights, and practical tips that will inspire music creators at all stages of their careers. 

Topics Covered and Timestamps

• [00:00:43] Introduction to Anthony Smith
  • Anthony’s background as a songwriter and notable hits like “Tomorrow” and “What About Now.”
  • His inspiring career path and early challenges.
• [00:01:11] Early Career and Financial Realities
  • Anthony discusses his first publishing deal and initial financial struggles.
  • Importance of understanding finances in the music business.
• [00:02:56] Musical Influences
  • Anthony reflects on his upbringing in Birmingham, Alabama, and his love for music.
  • Transition from trumpet player to songwriter.
• [00:05:34] Breakthrough at Muscle Shoals
  • The bold move that earned Anthony his first break by posing as an arranger.
  • Moving to Nashville and breaking into the industry.
• [00:09:13] Writing Country Music Hits
  • Transitioning from pop and R&B to country music.
  • How co-writing helped shape his career and create commercially successful songs.
• [00:16:35] Crafting "What About Now"
  • Behind-the-scenes insights into writing and producing the chart-topping hit for Lone Star.
• [00:22:30] Financial Advice for Songwriters
  • Practical tips on managing finances, seeking professional advice, and planning for the future.
  • Why understanding royalties and contracts is essential for long-term success.
• [00:27:16] Building a Sustainable Career
  • Anthony shares tips on networking, continuous learning, and adapting to industry trends.
• [00:51:04] The Role of The MLC
  • How The MLC ensures songwriters receive accurate royalties.
  • Why organizations like The MLC are essential for transparency and support in the industry.

Resources Mentioned:

• The MLC Website: themlc.com
• Anthony Smith’s Music: Follow Anthony on social media for updates on his latest projects: https://www.instagram.com/anthonylsmithmusic

Key Highlights

• Anthony’s transformation from a trumpet player in Alabama to a chart-topping songwriter.
• Valuable financial advice for songwriters, including the importance of hiring a financial advisor.
• Behind-the-scenes look at how hit songs like "What About Now" were created.
• The positive impact of The MLC in supporting songwriters and ensuring fair royalty distribution.

Visit themlc.com to learn how The MLC can help you manage your royalties. Follow Anthony Smith on social media to stay updated on his latest projects.

Subscribe today for more compelling stories and industry-changing insights!

Watch all our full episodes on YouTube here and learn more about The MLC and our mission to ensure songwriters and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. accurately and on time here.