Nobody likes this conversation, but every artist with a catalog needs it: what happens to your music when you are gone? Without a will, your masters, publishing, and royalties can end up in legal limbo or in the wrong hands. Your catalog is an asset — sometimes the most valuable one you own. Leaving it unprotected is leaving your family’s future to chance. This is estate planning, and it is part of the business.
Get a will that specifically names your music assets. Masters, publishing rights, unreleased recordings, and even your social media and digital accounts should be accounted for. Name an executor who understands the music business — not just a family member, but someone who knows what a royalty statement is. Without clear instructions, catalogs get tied up in court for years while the money sits frozen.
Talk to an entertainment lawyer about trusts and succession plans. A trust can manage your royalties for your children, control how your unreleased music is released, and protect your catalog from being sold off for quick cash. Think about who decides on samples, placements, and licensing after you are gone. The biggest names in music history had these conversations — the ones who did not became cautionary tales.
Update your plan as your career grows. Every new album, every publishing deal, every change in family situation means your paperwork needs a refresh. Keep a secure record of where everything is: contracts, registrations, account logins, and who to call. Protecting your catalog is the final act of a smart career. Do it now, while you can decide everything yourself.
About the Author – Ruben Burgos: Ruben Burgos brings over 25 years of music expertise and more than 15 years of model guidance to the table. He is the indie major pinnacle to retaining credits for musicians and helping them navigate this wicked industry without the fuckery.