Beyond the Song: Authorship and Production in Australian Independent Music

Abstract

This thesis examines authorship and copyright complexities in the Australian independent music industry, focusing on the evolving roles of producers in music creation. As advancements in technology and shifts in industry practices reshape the music production landscape, traditional definitions of authorship, centred on melody and lyrics, increasingly fail to capture the scope of producers’ contributions. Through qualitative interviews with industry professionals, the study highlights the significant yet often unrecognised influence of producers, examining how their input shapes music and its implications for intellectual property and copyright frameworks. The findings reveal that current systems for allocating and managing remuneration fail to adequately reflect the realities of modern music production, particularly for independent artists and producers. This thesis advocates for a clearer distinction between songwriting and production contributions, suggesting that elements influencing a song's core should qualify as songwriting, while supportive contributions should be acknowledged to a greater extent under master tape rights. Furthermore, it emphasises the need for improved infrastructure to manage master tape royalties, similar to the existing frameworks provided by organisations like APRA AMCOSfor publishing royalties. Ultimately, this research calls for a re-evaluation of how authorship and compensation are defined and distributed, proposing a framework that better aligns with contemporary practices and recognises the integral role of producers in shaping musical works. By leveraging the unique perspective gained from years of industry experience, this study contributes a practitioner’s insight that is often missing from academic discourse, offering a more authentic understanding of the challenges faced by independent artists and producers in the evolving music industry.