if a songwriter song sells a million copies how much could that songwriter recieve in royalties?

Answer 1

The amount of the royalties depends on the number of points the songwriter gets in the deal. In theory, 1 point on a $15 CD equals $.15, which would work out to $150,000. (In reality, the actual amount is figured using record company math, which I don't think anyone understands.) Now this is just royalties from CD sales. There are also royalties from airplay and commercial licensing, which if the song is popular, could be way more than then royalties from the CD sales. (And please don't ask me to explain airplay royalties. I just cash the checks.)

For some insight into how much money a band makes, you could check out either of these recent articles, (and I'm assuming they wrote their own songs.)

http://www.jdray.com/Daviews/courtney.html

http://www.negativland.com/albini.html

P.S. Producers don't make a lot of money on royalties. Most producers get paid up front and only get two or three points in the deal. Read the articles and you'll see that the record companies make all the money.

P.S.S. Recording artists DO NOT get rich from touring. Touring costs a lot of money. Money that new bands don't have. So they have the record company underwrite the tour, all of which is recoupable BEFORE the artists recieve any money.

Answer 2

It's impossible to say, so many factors come into play. But I can tell you this, most of the money made from record sells goes to the producer and/or the record company. Music artist get so rich by going on tour.

Answer 3

about £100,000 ... it depends on the artist and the record company