18) Mental models you should keep (and misconceptions to drop)
Your success in the music industry depends on shifting your perspective from "art only" to "art as an asset."
Core Mental Models
- Music is an asset: Unlike physical goods, a song can be exploited repeatedly over time.
- Control is the core: Rights are about authority—who can say "yes" or "no" to a deal.
- Royalties are outcomes: They are triggered by usage and mediated by accounting documentation.
- Assets are shared: Collaboration is the norm; therefore, clarity in splits is essential.
Common Misconceptions
"If I made it, I automatically own everything."
Ownership depends on agreements, work-for-hire rules, and industry norms.
"If it’s on the internet, it’s public."
Accessibility is not permission. Publicly accessible does not mean free of rights.
In healthy professional environments, rights clarity protects creativity by preventing future disputes. Royalties aren't random; they are driven by clear ownership and enforceable payment obligations.