To read the complete transcript and watch the podcast video, visit the episode blog. In this episode of the Successful Musicians Podcast, Jason Tonioli sits down with Mark Spier, President and CEO of Royalty Solutions, to unpack how music royalties really work and why so many artists are leaving money on the table. Mark founded Royalty Solutions in 2009 with a mission to bring transparency, accuracy, and efficiency to royalty processing and music publishing. With more than 30 years of experience across music publishing, technology, and finance, he brings a rare, well-rounded perspective to the evolving music rights landscape. He is also the third-generation President of Memory Lane Music Group, a family-owned publishing company established in 1921. The company’s catalog includes songs that have been recorded, covered, and sampled by some of the biggest artists in the world. Mark holds a degree in Computer Science from Colgate University and an MBA from Columbia Business School, and previously worked at IBM and Credit Suisse. Through his work at Royalty Solutions and Memory Lane Music Group, Mark helps artists, labels, and publishers maximize royalty income, properly register their works, and protect their rights in the digital age. What You’ll Learn This conversation explores how the music industry has shifted from physical sales to streaming and digital distribution, and what that means for royalty collection today. Mark explains why understanding music publishing, performance royalties, and mechanical royalties is essential for independent artists. He also breaks down the role of organizations like the MLC and why correct registration is critical to getting paid. Jason and Mark discuss the common mistakes artists make as they move from hobbyists to professionals, why unclaimed royalties are so common, and when it makes sense to bring in experts to manage the business side of music. Topics Covered in This Episode - How music royalties work in the streaming era - The difference between publishing, performance, and mechanical royalties - The role of the MLC and why registration matters - Why many independent artists miss out on royalty income - How audits can uncover unpaid or misreported royalties - When artists should consider professional royalty administration - Protecting your music rights while scaling your career If you are an independent musician, songwriter, label owner, or publisher looking to better understand music royalties and maximize your earnings, this episode offers practical insights from someone who has spent decades inside the system. Listen now to learn how to take control of your music rights and get paid what you are owed. Connect with Mark Spier Website Royalty Solutions’ LinkedIn Mark’s LinkedIn YouTube Facebook Instagram Connect with Jason Tonioli Website Facebook YouTube Instagram Spotify Pandora Amazon Music Apple Music
