In this episode of Sold 4 a Song, Terrance Sawchuk answers the question why do musicians, singers, actors, directors, producers, screenwriters, even stagehands,have unions… but songwriters don’t?

In this episode of Sold for a Song, Terry Sawchuk breaks down a truth that shocks many creators: songwriters are legally prohibited from forming a union in the United States. Not discouraged. Not frowned upon. Illegal.

Drawing on 30+ years in the music industry, including real-world examples from his own Billboard #1 career, Terry explains:

• How U.S. labor and antitrust law classify songwriters

• Why owning a song and controlling it are two very different things

• How compulsory licenses strip songwriters of the right to say no

• Why publishers, PROs, and Congress—not creators—set the rules

• Where live performance royalties break down (and often disappear)

• And why the future of creator power depends on direct ownership, private portals, and cutting out intermediaries

This episode is about clarity, leverage, and practical survival in a system that was never designed to favor the inventor.

• Why songwriter unions are illegal under U.S. antitrust law

• The difference between copyright ownership and price control

• What a song actually is (before publishers enter the picture)

• Advances vs. income, and why publishing deals behave like credit cards

• How administrative fees quietly eat up royalties worldwide

• The real story behind compulsory licenses

• A firsthand case study: pulling unauthorized uses of a #1 hit

• Why live concert royalties are one of the least transparent systems in music

• How Congress, the Copyright Royalty Board, and PROs shape songwriter income

• Elon Musk, platform leverage, and the future battle over music pricing

• Why artist-owned “home bases” are the most powerful path forward

• How education changes your leverage with labels and publishers

• Songwriters are independent rights holders, not employees, which blocks collective bargaining

• Once a song is released, key rights are permanently restricted

• Publishers and PROs do not equal songwriter representation

• Transparency failures aren’t accidental, they’re structural

• Ownership without control is not freedom

• The future belongs to creators who own, leverage, streamline, and sustain from their own platforms

“Owning your song and controlling your song are two very different things.”

“The inventor is the only one in the system who isn’t allowed to set the price.”

“If you don’t like the cost of music, don’t use music. Don’t over-leverage it.”

“Spotify and TikTok should be billboards, not the destination.”

• Understand your rights before releasing music

• Stop confusing advances with income

• Audit where your royalties are actually coming from

• Build a private, artist-owned home base

• Use platforms as traffic, not dependency

• Educate yourself before signing your next deal

• Join the Sold for a Song community: TerranceSawchuk.com

• Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help this message reach more creators

• Share this episode with a songwriter who still believes “someone else is watching out for them”

Terrance “Terry” Sawchuk is a Billboard #1, multi-platinum songwriter, producer, and industry veteran with over three decades in the trenches. Sold for a Song exists to challenge the systems that undervalue creators—and to offer real pathways back to ownership, leverage, and sustainability.

Sold 4 a Song™ Podcast Hosted by Terrance Sawchuk, Billboard #1 multi-platinum songwriter, producer, artist, mixer, and entrepreneur.

Sold 4 a Song™ is a living exploration of creative worth, ownership, and the true value of music—inside the systems that monetize it.

If this episode resonates, you can follow the work at sold4asong.com.

In this episode of Sold 4 a Song, Terrance Sawchuk sits down with legendary songwriter Mark Jordan, the creator of “Rhythm of My Heart” and a writer whose songs have been recorded by Diana Ross, Rod Stewart, Joe Cocker, Manhattan Transfer, Bonnie Raitt, Cher, and more.

Mark shares the untold story behind writing “Rhythm of My Heart,” his lifelong relationship with dyslexia before it was understood, and how neurodiversity became a creative advantage rather than a limitation. From CBC transcription sessions and LA studio legends to publishing blind spots and royalty realities, this conversation explores how value is created—and often lost—inside the music industry.

This episode goes beyond hit songs. It’s a deep, human conversation about creative identity, confidence, ownership, and the quiet cost creators pay when their work outpaces their self-worth. It also examines music’s healing power through Mark’s work in music therapy with first responders, reminding us why music matters far beyond charts and market share.

• Dyslexia and neurodiversity can be powerful creative strengths

• Writing a hit does not guarantee understanding or ownership of value

• Publishing systems often separate creators from awareness and control

• Creative confidence is shaped early—and can be reclaimed later

• Music’s value extends far beyond commercial success

• Direct creative integrity leads to longevity

• Industry myths often hide structural inequities

• Ownership and self-worth are deeply connected

• Music has measurable healing and therapeutic impact

• True success comes from alignment, not just accolades

• Writing “Rhythm of My Heart” & the Hidden Cost of a Hit

• Dyslexia, Creativity, and Reclaiming Artistic Worth

• “Dyslexia isn’t a flaw—it’s my superpower.”

• “You can write a worldwide hit and still be disconnected from your value.”

• “Music heals people long before it pays them.”

00:00 Writing “Rhythm of My Heart” 05:48 Dyslexia, Confidence, and Creative Identity 12:30 Early Career, CBC, and Learning by Ear 20:10 LA Studios, Publishing, and Industry Blind Spots 31:40 Rod Stewart, Hits, and the Cost of Success 41:55 Music Therapy and Healing Through Song 53:20 Reclaiming Worth, Ownership, and Longevity

music industry, songwriting, Rhythm of My Heart, Mark Jordan, dyslexia, neurodiversity, creative worth, publishing, ownership, royalties, music therapy, artist sustainability, creative confidence, Sold 4 a Song

Sold 4 a Song™ Podcast Hosted by Terrance Sawchuk, Billboard #1 multi-platinum songwriter, producer, artist, mixer, and entrepreneur.

Sold 4 a Song™ is a living exploration of creative worth, ownership, and the true value of music—inside the systems that monetize it.

If this episode resonates, you can follow the work at sold4asong.com.

In this episode of 'Sold for a Song', Terry Sawchuk discusses the evolving landscape of the music industry, emphasizing the importance of artists owning their copyright and data. He reflects on the past year, highlights key guests, and addresses the impact of AI on music creation and artist-fan relationships. Looking ahead to 2026, he shares his upcoming projects aimed at empowering creatives and raising awareness about the true value of music. Takeaways Artists must own their copyright and data to thrive. Monetizing directly and leveraging art is crucial. Empowering artists is essential for creative success. AI will significantly impact the music industry. Direct relationships with fans are vital for artists. Ownership and sustainability are key for future artists. The true value of music is often undervalued. Feedback indicates a broader appeal for my upcoming book. New projects aim to highlight music's societal value. Building a community of support for artists is important. Titles Empowering Artists in the Digital Age Reflections on 2025: A Year in Review Sound bites "AI will transform the music industry." "Thank you for joining me today!" "Let's build this movement together." Chapters 00:00 Empowering Artists in the Digital Age 02:48 Reflections on 2025: A Year in Review 06:09 The Future of Music: AI and Artist Relationships 08:50 Ownership and Sustainability for Creatives 11:45 Looking Ahead: New Projects and Goals for 2026

Keywords music industry, artists, copyright, AI, sustainability, ownership, creativity, fan relationships, digital age, music therapy

Sold 4 a Song™ Podcast hosted by Terrance Sawchuk, Billboard #1 multi-platinum songwriter, producer, artist, mixer, & entrepreneur.

Sold 4 a Song™ is a living exploration of creative worth, ownership, and the true value of music — inside the systems that monetize it.

If this episode resonates, you can follow the work at sold4asong.com.

In this episode, Terry sits down with Dr. Concetta “Connie” Tomaino — co-founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) — for a mind-opening conversation on the true value of music far beyond streaming numbers.

They break down how music actually engages the brain, why rhythm can restore movement in Parkinson’s, how songs can “wake up” memory in dementia, and how music therapy helps veterans and trauma survivors access what words can’t. Then Terry connects it back to the core mission of Sold 4 a Song: the painful irony that the people who create the world’s most powerful healing tool are often the ones least valued inside the ecosystem built around it — and why access to music therapy should be reimbursed and available to everyone.

To go deeper, join Terry at TerranceSawchuk.com

👉 Watch for announcements for my Free Webinar coming in January 2026.

Keywords

music therapy, neuroscience, mental health, creativity, neurodiversity, music industry, healing, brain function, emotional connection, artist empowerment

Summary

In this episode of 'Sold for a Song', host Taren Saczek engages with Dr. Concetta Tomeino, a pioneer in music therapy, discussing the profound impact of music on mental health and neurological function. They explore the evolution of music therapy, its applications in treating various conditions, and the importance of recognizing the value of music creators in society. The conversation delves into the neuroscience behind music, the therapeutic techniques used in music therapy, and the challenges faced by artists in the industry. Dr. Tomeino emphasizes the need for greater accessibility to music therapy and the economic value of music in enhancing well-being.

Takeaways

Music therapy needs to be accessible to everyone. The field of music therapy originated in the 1950s. Music engages almost every part of the brain. Music can help individuals with PTSD and cognitive impairments. Therapeutic music experiences can enhance recovery and function. Neurodiversity plays a significant role in creativity. Music can evoke strong emotional responses and memories. The economic value of music creators is often undervalued. Music therapy can improve mental health and well-being. Artists have a unique role in nurturing creativity in society.

Titles

Unlocking the Healing Power of Music Therapy The Neuroscience Behind Music and Healing

Sound bites

"We need to get the word out." "Music therapy is a profession." "Music has power in healing."

Chapters

00:00 The Value of Music Therapy 06:07 Introduction to Dr. Concetta Tomeino 11:46 The Evolution of Music Therapy 20:04 Understanding Music's Impact on the Brain 30:11 Music Therapy Techniques and Applications 40:07 Neurodiversity and Creativity 50:03 The Economic Value of Music and Artists

In this episode of Sold For A Song, Terry Sawchuk discusses the undervaluation of music creators and the impact of AI on the music industry. He emphasizes the need for musicians to recognize their worth and leverage technology to reclaim control over their careers. The conversation highlights the challenges posed by AI, the exploitation of session musicians, and the importance of using technology to empower artists rather than diminish their value.

Takeaways

Empowering artists is crucial for redefining creative success. Musicians must awaken their self-worth to thrive. AI is changing the landscape of the music industry. Session musicians are facing unprecedented challenges due to AI. Technology should be leveraged to benefit creators. Musicians need to create their own platforms for lessons. The music industry is monopolized by a few major players. AI companies are profiting from the work of musicians without compensation. Musicians should reverse engineer technology for their advantage. Building a community of empowered creators is essential.

Titles

Reclaiming Value in the Music Industry The AI Revolution: Threat or Opportunity for Musicians?

Sound bites

"Why am I on your website?" "AI is an absolute game changer." "Let's build this movement together."

Chapters

00:00 Empowering Music Creators 01:46 The Impact of AI on Musicians 08:38 Leveraging Technology for Musicians

Keywords

music industry, songwriters, AI, musicians, technology, empowerment, creativity, copyright, session musicians, music lessons

Sold 4 a Song™ Podcast hosted by Terrance Sawchuk, Billboard #1 multi-platinum songwriter, producer, artist, mixer, & entrepreneur.

Sold 4 a Song™ is a living exploration of creative worth, ownership, and the true value of music — inside the systems that monetize it.

If this episode resonates, you can follow the work at sold4asong.com.

In this episode of Sold 4 a Song, Terry Sawchuk breaks down the AI Wild West currently reshaping the music industry — and who is really benefiting from it.

Terry exposes how AI platforms like Suno allegedly trained their models using music scraped from YouTube without permission, reached billion-dollar valuations, and were ultimately rewarded with licensing deals from major labels like Warner Music. Meanwhile, actual songwriters and artists are told by PROs that using “too much AI” could disqualify them from performance royalties.

This episode confronts the glaring double standard: AI companies can profit from creators’ work at scale, but creators themselves remain restricted, underpaid, and over-controlled. Terry explains how market power, ownership concentration, and pro-rata payment systems continue to suffocate artists — and why the flood of AI-generated music only accelerates the problem.

He closes by teasing artist-first solutions designed to reverse-engineer the system — where creators own their data, control their IP, and finally reclaim leverage in an industry built on undervaluation.

• AI companies are being rewarded for actions artists would be penalized for

• Major labels prioritize market share over creator protection

• PRO rules around AI create a double standard for songwriters

• AI is drastically increasing music saturation on DSPs

• Artists are more lost in the shuffle than ever before

• Ownership and leverage — not exposure — determine power

• Major labels control most IP, limiting artist agency

• The industry is designed to extract value from creators

• Artist-owned platforms are no longer optional

• The future belongs to creators who control data, IP, and audience

The AI Wild West: Who Really Wins in Music’s New Gold Rush? Why AI Companies Get Paid — and Songwriters Don’t

“We’ve got value going once, truth going twice.” “They stole the music, built the platform, and got rewarded.” “It’s okay for AI companies — but not the creators they took from.” “Artists are always the ones being over-leveraged.” “Welcome to the Wild West.”

00:00 Value, truth, and the mission of Sold 4 a Song 02:39 How AI music models were trained 05:02 Warner’s deal with AI and what it signals 07:25 Why artists are more buried than ever 08:45 Reclaiming leverage through artist-first systems

Sold 4 a Song™ Podcast hosted by Terrance Sawchuk, Billboard #1 multi-platinum songwriter, producer, artist, mixer, & entrepreneur.

Sold 4 a Song™ is a living exploration of creative worth, ownership, and the true value of music — inside the systems that monetize it.

If this episode resonates, you can follow the work at sold4asong.com.

Sold 4 a Song™ Podcast hosted by Terrance Sawchuk, Billboard #1 multi-platinum songwriter, producer, artist, mixer, & entrepreneur.

Sold 4 a Song™ is a living exploration of creative worth, ownership, and the true value of music — inside the systems that monetize it.

If this episode resonates, you can follow the work at sold4asong.com.

songwriters, music industry, free market, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, Spotify, royalties, artists and fans, music monopolies, copyright board, PROs, streaming economics, creative ownership

In this Thanksgiving special episode of Sold 4 a Song, Terry Sawchuk speaks directly to music fans and creators alike, pulling back the curtain on why being a songwriter in the United States is anything but a free-market profession.

Terry explains how intermediaries — from Live Nation and Ticketmaster to DSPs and social platforms — control market share, inflate costs for fans, and extract the lion’s share of revenue while creators earn fractions of a penny. He walks listeners through how streaming royalties actually work, why songwriters make hundreds instead of tens of thousands where they once did, and how record labels reshaped streaming economics in their favor before Spotify was even allowed into the U.S. market.

The episode also explores a rarely discussed issue: the absence of a songwriter union, the centralized power of the U.S. Copyright Board, and how government-controlled royalty rates eliminate true market dynamics for creators. Terry contrasts this with how songwriters are paid internationally, particularly for live performances and film music.

At its heart, this episode is about bridging artists and fans directly — restoring connection, transparency, and value by bypassing gatekeepers. Terry closes by expressing gratitude to listeners and reaffirming that the future of music depends on ownership, direct relationships, and creator-controlled platforms.

• There is no true free market for songwriters in the U.S.

• Fans and artists both want connection — intermediaries disrupt it

• Live Nation operates as a near-total monopoly in live music

• Streaming payouts heavily favor master owners over songwriters

• A million Spotify streams can earn songwriters only hundreds of dollars

• Major labels reshaped streaming economics before launch

• Social platforms monetize artists and fans as the product

• Songwriters lack union protection unlike other entertainment roles

• Many U.S. performance royalties never reach creators

• Direct artist-to-fan relationships restore value and sustainability

Why Songwriting Isn’t a Free Market — and Never Has Been A Thanksgiving Thank You to the Fans (And the Truth About Music Money)

“There is nothing free market about being a songwriter.” “Fans and artists are both looking for connection.” “The middlemen control the experience — and the money.” “You can’t cash likes at a bank.” “Nobody leaves the driveway until someone writes a song.”

00:00 The myth of the free market for songwriters 02:37 Bridging artists and fans 04:55 Live Nation, Ticketmaster, and market control 07:18 Streaming economics explained 11:55 Why songwriters earn the least 14:23 Copyright control and government-set royalties 16:45 Why U.S. songwriters miss live performance pay 18:30 Gratitude to fans & closing reflections

If today’s episode lit a fire in you, don’t let it fade. Subscribe to Sold 4 a Song, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Sign up for the Sold 4 a Song Journal and join the waitlist for the Escape Hatch™ Live Workshop at 👉 www.sold4asong.com

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