Let’s talk about Jamie Dee Hart, a true maverick in the world of music. A veritable Swiss Army knife of business acumen, Hart has carved out a niche that’s as vital as it is often overlooked: the intricate world of music rights management.
From the stages of San Diego, where she cut her teeth as a performer, to the offices of SoundCloud, where she championed the unsung heroes of songwriting, Hart’s journey reads like a masterclass in music industry evolution. Her brainchild, Hart & Songs, isn’t just another cog in the machinery of the music business; it’s a beacon of hope for indie artists lost in the fog of ISRCs, UPCs, and other industry alphabet soup.
In an age where a TikTok hit can catapult an unknown artist to stardom overnight, Hart’s expertise is more crucial than ever. She’s the secret weapon behind chart-topping producers, the guiding hand for viral sensations, and the sage advisor for industry neophytes. Whether breaking down the complexities of metadata for a UCLA class or strategizing with Latin GRAMMY nominees, Hart’s fingerprints are all over the modern music landscape.
Perhaps Hart’s most significant contribution is her commitment to education and empowerment. She’s dedicated to demystifying the process for artists and executives in an industry often shrouded in mystery.
For instance, her “Unsung Heroes” songwriter series at SoundCloud spotlighted the often-overlooked creators shaping modern music. This initiative not only celebrated these talents but also educated the public about the collaborative nature of music creation.
As the music industry continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, Hart’s role becomes increasingly vital. She’s not just changing the game – she’s teaching everyone else how to play and play it well.
We caught up with Jamie for an exclusive interview to gain a deeper insight into her journey, her vision for the industry, and the wisdom she’s picked up along the way. Here’s what she had to say:
Throb: How did you get started in the music industry and what inspired you to focus on music rights management?
JDH: Music has been a pivotal part of my life since I was young. I grew up singing and performing on stages starting in 5th grade. I had my own artist career in San Diego, gigging on the weekends in high school, and even recorded an EP with a band I was in. Working in the music industry has been a magical journey, allowing me to help artists and songwriters every day. I wanted to make a positive impact on creatives in the industry, and my first job in music publishing revealed the significant need for effective rights management.
Throb: Can you walk us through the process of how you help independent artists navigate the complex world of royalty collection?
JDH: Every creative I work with has their own catalog of songs. I start by gathering all the essential information about those songs. We create a master spreadsheet with metadata, splits, and song details. Then, we dive into identifying all potential revenue sources for their catalog and ensure proper registration everywhere. Each catalog presents unique situations; sometimes, I feel like a detective piecing together all the necessary information for a song.
Throb: What common misconceptions about music rights do you frequently encounter among emerging artists?
JDH: The biggest misconception is thinking that registrations and catalog management can wait until money starts coming in. Rights management is often neglected because it requires significant self-education, especially for unmanaged artists. Managing song splits and metadata is doable if documented right after the session or when the song is released. The longer you wait, the more you increase the chances of miscollection and confusion.
Throb: How has the rise of social media platforms like TikTok changed the landscape of music rights and royalties?
JDH: With social media platforms like TikTok, it’s more important than ever to ensure all metadata is correct, including ISRCs, UPCs, and everyone involved’s proper spelling (like songwriters). Accurate registrations need to match release details with labels or distributors, so royalties are correctly allocated from these platforms. In such a fast-paced industry, social media is only pushing things out more quickly, which may mean rushing on some of the important systems needed to get paid from the jump.
Throb: You’ve worked with chart-topping producers and songwriters. What unique challenges do behind-the-scenes creators face in terms of rights management?
JDH: Behind-the-scenes creators often have to chase down their money (just like business owners). Especially the more involved and asks a chart-topping creative gets, the more they need a team to look after everything they’re doing. Most don’t have an individual beyond their publisher or label looking out for them. Keeping track of all contributions and payments is a full-time job. More importantly, registering songs means receiving proper credits for what you put into them. It’s essential to have systems like SoundExchange set up with Letters of Direction, especially for producers, to avoid leaving money on the table. Keeping track of all contributions and payments is a full-time job.
Throb: How do you envision the future of music rights management, particularly for independent artists?
JDH: The future of rights management for independent artists is about empowerment and education. The more familiar artists are with rights management, the less they will need to rely on others to collect what’s theirs. More companies are emerging to provide tools and services to simplify career management for independent artists. The MLC, SONA, and SoundExchange are all great examples of organizations that are advocating for education and fighting for creators’ rights.
Throb: Can you elaborate on the concept behind the “Unsung Heroes” songwriter series and what motivated you to launch it at SoundCloud?
JDH: The “Unsung Heroes” series was inspired by passionate individuals at SoundCloud who wanted to highlight the songwriters and producers shaping the last 20 years of music. Without these unsung heroes, we wouldn’t have our favorite songs today. So, we wanted to find a way to give them a spotlight.
Throb: How do you approach mentorship for young executives, and what key lessons do you emphasize during your sessions?
JDH: Transparency is crucial. I always emphasize the importance of understanding all aspects of growing and hustling in the music industry. There will be challenging times, but staying connected and giving back to your community will ultimately be rewarding.
Throb: What advice would you give to artists just starting out who may not fully understand the importance of rights management?
JDH: Ask questions and seek out answers. Don’t wait for a manager to handle everything—take responsibility if you’re serious about your career. Proper rights management is how you get paid for your music. After all, it’s the music “business” and it’s needed to get this right to pay your bills.
Throb: How does Hart & Songs differentiate itself from other artist development companies in the industry?
JDH: Hart & Songs stands out because we uniquely combine artist management with rights management consulting. This dual focus allows us to provide comprehensive support to artists, addressing both their creative and business needs. Our commitment to education and best practices ensures that artists are well-informed about distribution, royalty collection, and DSP support. We prioritize spreading awareness and understanding the best practices to help artists achieve long-term success in their careers.
Throb: What legacy do you hope to leave in the music industry, particularly regarding the empowerment of independent artists?
JDH: I hope to leave a legacy that always encourages creators to be business owners and champions of their own career.
From our conversation with Jamie Dee Hart, one thing becomes crystal clear: knowledge truly is power. Jamie’s mission goes beyond managing rights; she’s on a crusade to demystify the business side of music for creators at all levels. Her unique blend of hands-on experience and forward-thinking strategies positions her not just as an industry leader but as a mentor and advocate for the next generation of artists. As streaming platforms and social media continue to reshape how we consume and create music, Jamie Dee Hart stands ready to guide artists through the complexities, ensuring their creativity is not just heard but valued and protected. Her legacy will be one of empowerment, education, and a steadfast commitment to the artists who make the music we love.
Connect with Jamie:
- Website: www.jamiedeehart.com
- Instagram: @jamiedeehart
