California is a central hub for music publishing companies, playing a critical role in the creative economy. The industry includes a range of firms, from large corporations to independent publishers, each contributing unique offerings such as royalty collection, licensing, and rights management. With technological advances and evolving market dynamics, these companies are increasingly focused on empowering artists and maximizing revenue streams. There’s a notable trend towards collaboration with digital platforms, which is reshaping how music is accessed and monetized. As the music landscape continues to transform, these companies remain at the forefront of cultivating talent and innovative monetization strategies.

This list features a selection of 21 prominent music publishing companies based in California. These firms vary in size, ranging from small teams with fewer than 10 employees to larger organizations with hundreds on staff. Founded between 1928 and 2020, they reflect a broad array of specializations, from rights management to sync licensing. Locations span from Santa Monica to Los Angeles, showcasing California’s vibrant music scene. Their client bases include both established artists and emerging talent, demonstrating their commitment to supporting creativity across the spectrum.

Continue reading to discover top music publishing companies in California.

Top 21 Music Publishing Companies Companies in California

1. Peermusic

• Website: peermusic.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berkeley, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 40%, United Kingdom (UK) 17%, Spain 10%, Other 33%
• Latest funding: January 2019
• Founded year: 1928
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: peermusic

Peermusic is a music publishing company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 1928. It specializes in publishing songs and managing rights for artists and songwriters, offering crucial services that assist clients in monetizing their music. With a workforce of approximately 289 employees, Peermusic operates on a global scale, representing artists across various genres, including pop, Latin, and country music. The company has a significant presence in key markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain, among others. Peermusic also engages in neighbouring rights management, further enhancing its service offerings. The company has not reported any recent funding, indicating a stable operational model that has sustained its relevance in the music publishing sector.

2. Wixen Music Publishing, Inc.

• Website: wixenmusic.com
• Ownership type: Family Owned
• Headquarters: Calabasas, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1978
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: wixen-music-publishing-inc.

Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. is a family-owned music publishing company based in Calabasas, California. Since its inception in 1978, Wixen has specialized in copyright management, royalty collection, and licensing services tailored for songwriters and recording artists. The company boasts a roster of over 2,000 clients, representing a mix of legacy artists and contemporary acts across various genres. Notable clients include The Doors, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The Black Keys, and Missy Elliott. Wixen's operational model prioritizes high-quality administration, ensuring that clients maintain ownership of their works while receiving comprehensive support in royalty tracking and enforcement. Their creative resources team actively engages with industry professionals to create opportunities for placements in films, television, and other media. With a network of approximately 40 independent sub-publishers worldwide, Wixen effectively manages royalties on a global scale, reinforcing its commitment to protecting and maximizing the earnings of its clients.

3. Seeker Music

• Website: seekermusic.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: seeker-music

Seeker Music is a music publishing and record company based in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2020, the company has quickly positioned itself as a significant player in rights management, focusing on supporting songwriters, producers, and recording artists. With a catalog that exceeds 14,000 copyrights and master recordings, Seeker Music has demonstrated its capability to manage and promote a wide array of musical works. The company operates with a creator-first philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of artist empowerment in navigating the complexities of the music industry. Seeker Music has signed a variety of artists and songwriters, including notable names like Run The Jewels and Christopher Cross. The executive team, led by CEO Evan Bogart, brings extensive experience from various sectors of the music industry, further enhancing the company's credibility and operational effectiveness. Seeker Music has also made headlines with its strategic acquisitions, such as the catalogs of The Wombats and other prominent artists, indicating its proactive approach to growth and market presence.

4. Big Deal Music Group

• Website: bigdealmusic.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Latest funding: September 2020
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: big-deal-music

Big Deal Music Group, now known as Hipgnosis Songs Group, is a music management company based in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2012, the company specializes in song administration and licensing, managing a catalog that includes over 40,000 songs from more than 150 catalogues. Hipgnosis advocates for songwriters, ensuring they receive fair compensation while maximizing revenue generation through strategic licensing and synch opportunities. Their portfolio features iconic songs that have been utilized in various media, including film, television, and advertising, showcasing their relevance in the music publishing sector. The company has built a reputation for fostering relationships with artists and businesses in the entertainment industry, making them a notable entity in the music publishing landscape.

5. Third Side Music

• Website: thirdsidemusic.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: Canada 53%, United States (USA) 40%, United Kingdom (UK) 7%
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: third-side-music

Third Side Music is an independent music publishing company based in Los Angeles, California, with a significant presence in Montreal, Canada. Established in 2005, the company specializes in sync licensing, rights management, and creative services tailored for artists. They represent a wide array of artists, from contemporary names to legacy acts, providing them with opportunities in various media, including film, television, and advertising. Third Side Music prides itself on its artist-first philosophy, treating musicians as partners rather than commodities. This approach is reflected in their commitment to maximizing the value of music through strategic placements and proactive management. The company has built a respected sync team known for its strong relationships with music supervisors globally, ensuring that the right music is pitched for the right projects. Their catalog includes over 70,000 titles, showcasing their extensive reach and capability in the music publishing industry.

6. PULSE Music Group

• Website: pulsemusicgroup.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: $100.0M, January 2020
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: pulse-music-group

PULSE Music Group, based in Los Angeles, California, is a music publisher and record label founded in 2008 by songwriters and producers Scott Cutler, Josh Abraham, and Anne Preven. The company specializes in connecting artists, songwriters, and producers with opportunities in visual media, offering services that include music licensing, artist development, and A&R. PULSE has built a robust infrastructure that supports over 250 active clients, contributing to more than 200 million units of recorded music sales and over 80 billion music streams. Their client roster features notable names such as Brent Faiyaz, James Blake, and Ty Dolla $ign, among others. PULSE has received recognition for its achievements, including being named AIMP’s Indie Music Publisher of the Year in 2018. The company has also formed strategic partnerships with various entities, enhancing its capabilities in music publishing and licensing. In January 2020, PULSE entered a joint venture with Concord Music Publishing, further solidifying its position in the industry. With a focus on creative licensing, PULSE Music Group has established itself as a significant player in the music publishing landscape.

7. Universal Production Music

• Website: universalproductionmusic.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United Kingdom (UK) 29%, United States (USA) 27%, France 18%, Other 26%
• Latest funding: December 2014
• Founded year: 1986
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: killer-tracks

Universal Production Music, founded in 1986 and based in Santa Monica, California, is a prominent music production company that specializes in creating and licensing music tailored for film, television, advertising, and interactive media. With a catalog boasting over 2,000 CDs and original music collections, they serve a wide array of clients in the media industry. The company operates internationally, with a significant employee distribution across the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Spain, and Sweden. Their commitment to providing high-quality music solutions positions them as a key player in the music licensing space, catering to the evolving needs of content creators and advertisers alike.

8. Riptide Music Group, LLC

• Website: riptidemusic.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Culver City, California, United States (USA)
• Latest funding: $4.0M, October 2017
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: riptide-music-group-llc

Riptide Music Group, LLC, based in Culver City, California, is a music publisher and label that specializes in sync licensing and artist management. Founded in 2014, the company has carved out a niche in helping artists manage their music rights and secure placements across various media platforms. Their roster features a mix of emerging and established artists, reflecting their commitment to supporting talent in the music industry. Riptide's focus on enhancing exposure and revenue for their clients is evident in their strategic approach to music publishing services. The company has also received funding, with a reported amount of $4 million in 2017, which underscores their growth potential and operational capabilities. Furthermore, Riptide is actively involved in advocacy efforts, such as supporting Music Declares Emergency, highlighting their dedication to addressing broader industry issues.

9. Angry Mob Music

• Website: angrymobmusic.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: angry-mob-music

Angry Mob Music, founded in 2009 and based in Santa Monica, California, is an independent music publisher and rights management company. With a team of 28 employees, they focus on providing essential services to songwriters, composers, producers, and artists. The company is dedicated to managing the business aspects of music publishing, allowing creatives to focus on their artistry. Angry Mob Music actively seeks opportunities for their clients in trailers and advertising, which enhances their potential for success in the competitive music industry. They have a strong presence in the industry, hosting events like songwriting camps and participating in music festivals, which helps them build connections and support their roster of talent. Their commitment to transparency and advocacy for the value of music is evident in their operations, making them a notable player in the music publishing field.

10. Create Music Group

• Website: createmusicgroup.com
• Ownership type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 84%, Canada 13%, Other 3%
• Latest funding: $165.0M, June 2024
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: createmusicgroup

Create Music Group, based in Los Angeles, California, is an independent music distribution and publishing company founded in 2015. With a workforce of approximately 225 employees, the company is dedicated to empowering artists and labels through innovative technology and data analytics. Their service offerings include music distribution, rights management, sync licensing, and artist funding, all designed to meet the evolving needs of musicians and content creators. Create Music Group emphasizes maximizing revenue while allowing clients to maintain ownership of their work. The company has gained recognition for its artist-first approach, providing tools that enable real-time tracking of earnings and comprehensive support for music releases. Recently, Create Music Group raised $165 million in funding, achieving a valuation of $1 billion, which underscores its growth potential and relevance in the industry. The company collaborates with a variety of artists and labels, contributing to chart-topping projects and expanding its influence in the music publishing sector.

11. Music Reports, Inc

• Website: musicreports.com
• Ownership type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 98%, United Kingdom (UK) 2%
• Latest funding: August 2020
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: music-reports-inc

Music Reports, Inc., founded in 1995 and based in Los Angeles, California, is a private equity-owned company that specializes in music rights administration. With a workforce of approximately 129 employees, the company has carved out a niche in licensing and royalty accounting services. Music Reports offers a suite of solutions tailored for media and entertainment companies, enabling them to navigate the complexities of music rights management. Their flagship products include the Songdex® Marketplace, which facilitates licensing, and Cuetrak™, a platform for cue sheet management. Music Reports serves a global clientele, processing over 400 million in annual royalties and managing more than 1 million cue sheets each year. Their commitment to transparency and efficiency in music rights administration has made them a trusted partner for numerous businesses in the music industry.

12. Cinq Music Group

• Website: cinqmusic.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 51%, Colombia 26%, South Korea 5%, Other 19%
• Latest funding: $250.0M, February 2024
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: cinq-music

Cinq Music Group, founded in 2012 and based in Santa Monica, California, operates as a comprehensive music company. It offers a range of services including music distribution, record label functions, rights management, and publishing. The company supports artists and music creators by providing a platform for music submission and analytics, helping them navigate the complexities of the music industry. Cinq Music has made significant strides in the market, acquiring music catalogs from various artists and genres, including notable names like T.I. and Janet Jackson. The company has also expanded its international presence, with operations in multiple countries, including Colombia and South Korea. Recently, Cinq Music secured a $100 million investment from its parent company, GoDigital Media Group, aimed at further catalog purchases and enhancing its publishing capabilities. This investment underscores Cinq Music's ambition to grow its catalog and strengthen its position in the music publishing sector.

13. Songtradr

• Website: songtradr.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 50%, United Kingdom (UK) 23%, Germany 5%, Other 22%
• Latest funding: Series E-K, $70.0M, November 2023
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: songtradr-inc

Songtradr, founded in 2014 and based in Santa Monica, California, is a music licensing platform that provides comprehensive solutions for music supervision, curation, and rights management. The company serves a wide range of clients, including brands, agencies, studios, and independent artists, helping them navigate the complexities of music licensing. Songtradr's platform allows rights holders to monetize their music catalogs while retaining control over licensing agreements. The company has made significant strides in the industry by acquiring several businesses, including Bandcamp, which enhances its offerings for independent artists. Recently, Songtradr secured $70 million in Series E funding, indicating strong investor confidence in its growth potential and market relevance. With a focus on simplifying music access and compliance, Songtradr is positioned as a vital resource for those in need of music solutions.

14. Sugo Music Group

• Website: sugomusic.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Half Moon Bay, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 82%, Kenya 13%, Philippines 5%
• Founded year: 1984
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: sugo-music-group

Sugo Music Group, based in Half Moon Bay, California, is a private company founded in 1984. With a team of approximately 39 employees, Sugo Music Group specializes in music distribution and publishing services. They assist musicians and labels in distributing their music to over 200 platforms worldwide, including major streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. The company prides itself on offering free music distribution with no upfront fees, allowing artists to submit unlimited tracks without financial barriers. In addition to distribution, Sugo provides comprehensive publishing services, ensuring that artists receive their royalties from various sources, including performance rights and synchronization. Their commitment to listening to every submission reflects a personalized approach to artist management. Sugo Music Group has built a reputation for supporting independent musicians and labels, making them a notable player in the music publishing industry.

15. Extreme Music

• Website: extrememusic.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 46%, United Kingdom (UK) 35%, Australia 5%, Other 14%
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: extreme-music

Extreme Music, founded in 1997 and based in Santa Monica, California, operates as a music production company that specializes in providing licensed music tracks for various media applications. The company serves filmmakers, advertisers, and content creators by offering a comprehensive library of production music. Their catalog features a wide array of playlists and albums across multiple genres, ensuring that clients can find suitable music for their projects. With a workforce of approximately 169 employees, Extreme Music has a significant presence in the industry, with a notable employee distribution across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The company has not reported any recent funding, indicating a stable operational model that relies on its established library and client relationships.

16. Vydia

• Website: vydia.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 97%, Other 3%
• Latest funding: March 2023
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: vydia-inc-

Vydia is a music technology company based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2013. The company specializes in providing an all-in-one platform that facilitates audio and video distribution, rights management, and royalty payments. Vydia serves independent music labels and creators, offering tools that help manage their content and ensure accurate payments. With a workforce of around 130 employees, Vydia has established itself as a vital resource for over 200,000 musicians, influencers, and brands worldwide. The company emphasizes the importance of empowering its users through advanced technology and personalized support, which is reflected in the positive testimonials from its clients. Vydia's platform simplifies the complexities of music distribution and rights management, making it easier for creators to monetize their work and maintain ownership. The company has also engaged in community support initiatives, partnering with various organizations to foster growth and development within the music industry.

17. Apg

• Website: artistpg.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: artist-publishing-group

Artist Partner Group (Apg) is a private music publishing and record label company based in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2006, Apg is dedicated to supporting artists, songwriters, and producers throughout their music careers. The company offers a range of services, including music publishing, artist development, and access to state-of-the-art recording studios. Apg has built a reputation for empowering independent artists and songwriters, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to enhance their music production and reach wider audiences. Their roster includes a mix of emerging talents and established names, reflecting their commitment to fostering creativity across various musical genres. Additionally, Apg has been involved in sync licensing, securing placements for their artists' music in advertising, film, and television, further solidifying their role in the music publishing industry.

18. Burnett Music

• Website: burnettmusicgroup.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: burnett-music-group

Burnett Music, founded in 2014 and based in Los Angeles, California, is a private music production company that specializes in creating impactful music and soundtracks for artists and filmmakers. With a small team of 1-10 employees, they focus on artist management, music licensing, and custom music production. Their clientele includes musicians and organizations in the film industry, who rely on Burnett Music's expertise to navigate the complexities of music creation and licensing. The company has been involved in notable projects, such as the original song 'Ashes' by Celine Dion for the 'Deadpool 2' soundtrack and has contributed to various high-profile productions, including HBO series and Billboard-charting tracks. Their mission is to help musicians create lasting music for albums and visual media, positioning themselves as a community hub for artists and filmmakers.

19. Exploration Group LLC

• Website: exploration.io
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 88%, Philippines 12%
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: exploration

Exploration Group LLC, founded in 2014 and based in Los Angeles, California, operates as a music rights management company. The firm specializes in copyright administration and royalty collection, serving a wide array of clients including songwriters, recording artists, music publishers, and film/TV entities. With a dedicated team of around 50 professionals, Exploration Group focuses on providing comprehensive services such as data management, consulting, and digital distribution. They manage over 3.5 million copyrights and have resolved numerous conflicts, showcasing their commitment to ensuring that clients receive the royalties they are entitled to. Their operational model allows clients to concentrate on their creative work while Exploration handles the complexities of rights management and royalty collection. The company has built a reputation for its customer service and expertise in navigating the intricacies of the music industry.

20. Killer Tracks

• Website: killertracks.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: killer-tracks

Killer Tracks, a subsidiary of Universal Production Music, is a music production company based in Santa Monica, California. Established in 1989, the company specializes in providing a vast catalog of stock music tailored for various media applications, including television, film, and advertising. With a dedicated focus on music licensing and production services, Killer Tracks serves a wide array of media producers and advertisers, offering high-quality music that enhances their projects. The company has built a reputation for its extensive library, which is designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients in the fast-paced media landscape. Although there is no reported funding, Killer Tracks continues to operate actively within the industry, contributing to the soundtracks of numerous productions.

21. APM Music

• Website: apmmusic.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 94%, United Kingdom (UK) 4%, Other 2%
• Latest funding: September 2017
• Founded year: 1983
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: apm-music

APM Music, based in Los Angeles, California, is a music production company that specializes in composing and producing original music tailored for various media applications. Founded in 1983, APM Music has built a solid reputation in the entertainment industry, providing high-quality music solutions for films, television shows, and advertisements. Their services include creating original scores, themes, and audio branding, which are designed to meet the specific needs of their clients. APM Music boasts a worldwide network of composers and producers, ensuring a broad range of musical styles and expertise. The company has received accolades for its work, including multiple awards at the Production Music Association's Mark Awards, highlighting their commitment to excellence in production music. APM Music continues to be a trusted partner for directors, producers, and music supervisors, consistently delivering results that exceed expectations.

Music Publishing Companies Insights: Key Companies in California

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