An underground electronic producer uploads a fire House track to SoundCloud. Months later, it’s picked up by a Berlin DJ, spun at Ibiza clubs, and featured in a viral TikTok dance challenge. The track racks up millions of streams across 20 countries. But when the producer checks his bank account, there are no royalties from the European clubs, no payments from the sync license in that TikTok trend, just a sinking feeling that his music is working harder than his wallet.

But it’s a common reality for dance music artists who don’t understand publishing administration. Royalties don’t magically appear in your bank account. They’re scattered across a maze of collection societies, streaming platforms, and international agencies. If you’re serious about making music your career, here’s why partnering with a service like Songtrust is non-negotiable.

The Silent Economy of Electronic Music Royalties

Every time your track is streamed, played in a club, or used in a video, you’re owed money. But collecting it requires registrations with Performance Rights Organizations (PROs), mechanical rights societies, and digital platforms—each with its own rules and territories. For example, if your dubstep remix gets played at a festival in Sweden, STIM (Sweden’s PRO) holds those royalties. If a YouTube creator in Brazil uses your deep house instrumental, UBC (Brazil’s society) manages that payment. If you miss a registration, those earnings stay locked away.

Songtrust simplifies this process. As a global publishing administrator, they register your music with over 60 payment sources worldwide. They ensure every cent reaches you: Beatport streams (yes, they pay you for playing your tracks on their platform) or DJ sets in Tokyo.

A Lesson from Dance Music History

In the early 2000s, iconic electronic acts often lost royalties due to poor publishing management. Some didn’t realize their tracks were being licensed for compilations or sampled by other artists. Even pioneers like Frankie Knuckles faced challenges tracking international club plays before digital systems existed. Today, the stakes are higher: streaming platforms alone generate over $17 billion annually, yet millions in royalties go unclaimed because artists lack the tools to collect them.

Your music has value, and Songtrust exists to protect it.

“But Will They Own My Masters or Publishing?”

Absolutely not. Songtrust never takes ownership of your music. You retain 100% control of your copyrights and masters. They’re strictly an admin service, handling registrations and collections so you can focus on producing your next track. Even if you haven’t formally copyrighted your music (though you should), your rights remain intact.

Real Stories from the Dance Floor

Take the case of a techno producer who discovered his track had been used in a fitness app’s ad campaign across Europe. Without Songtrust, he’d have never known—or been paid—for those sync licenses. Another artist found royalties from her drum-and-bass track popping up in South Korea after a K-pop star Shazam’d it during a livestream. They’re examples of how globalized electronic music has become—and why proactive royalty management matters.

Why Dance Music Artists Can’t Afford to Wait

Most producers would rather spend time perfecting a drop than filing royalty paperwork. But ignoring publishing administration is like leaving vinyl sales cash on the counter at a record store. You did the work—why not collect what you’re owed?

As an official Songtrust partner, Hewlaq is offering a 10% discount for artists ready to take control. Use this link or enter my Songtrust discount code 311750a-mij at signup. For less than the cost of a synth plugin, you’ll gain lifetime access to tools that protect your earnings—past, present, and future.

Your Tracks Deserve Better

Don’t let administrative gaps undermine your hustle. With Songtrust, you’re building a sustainable career.

Next time you fire up your DAW, ask yourself, “Is my music working for me everywhere it’s played?” If the answer’s unclear, it’s time to act. Claim your 10% discount, register your catalog, and let the world fund your next studio upgrade.