What is the difference between a record company and a music publisher? 

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When artists make music they create copyrights. In a track there are two copyrights. 

There is a copyright in the actual recording.

And there is a separate copyright in the song or composition contained within the recording.

In the music industry we manage and monetise recordings and songs separately. As a result, most artists have different business partners they work with on their recordings and songs.  

Record companies work with artists on their recordings – monetising recording rights.

Music publishers work with songwriters on their songs – monetising song rights.

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RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Section one of Music Copyright Explained

‘Dissecting the Digital Dollar’ by Chris Cooke
Chapter Two – ‘Music Rights & Controls’

‘The Music Business For Music Creators’ by Jonny Amos
Chapter One – ‘Song & Recording Copyrights’