Fairness. Solidarity. Transparency.
We make sure the money goes to those who deserve it.
Fair treatment
We cover all registration and annual fees related to rights management (e.g., GEMA) and fully handle the bureaucracy. If you’re not yet a GEMA member but want to join, we’ll support you. Our terms are better than those of many other publishers. We are transparent and will answer all of your questions.
Individuality
It’s important to us that our contracts meet various needs. If the stress of GEMA registration is too much or for any other reason you don’t want to be a GEMA member, you can still have individual songs published through us. We’ll include you in the publisher’s share – and you don’t have to do anything. Song registration and accounting are handled by us. However, we only have access to 40% of the royalties – the 60% author’s share is only available if you’re a GEMA member. If you are a member, we offer author (exclusive) contracts tailored to your needs, giving you maximum flexibility.
Solidarity
We aim to establish a long-term solidarity concept that allows successful artists to do something good for the undiscovered ones, in a way that’s impactful and carries a “seal of approval.” Specifically, this means that from the shares of the most successful authors (and the publisher’s share equally and in the same amount), a voluntary solidarity contribution will be deducted. This money finances a tiered subsidy in cases of need (e.g., Covid), as well as greater involvement for smaller artists and/or direct funding. Authors with low annual earnings can receive up to 100% of the publisher’s share from us. Additionally, the publisher covers any costs related to a GEMA membership. The goal is to support emerging artists, especially at the beginning of their careers, in the most straightforward way possible and to ensure that authors are financially secure in times of crisis, keeping them active and sustainable in their profession.
Any Questions?
Who we are
Team Grundrauschen
Philipp Kionka
Founder / Author
I admit, I once wanted to be a rap star – and why not manage myself and start a label? After studying Music and Media Management, founding a music label, and running a marketing agency with various releases, events, and media appearances, I spent over 15 years building and managing the “Kreativzentrum Heilbronn,” with over 30 rehearsal rooms and recording studios. I didn’t become a rap star. But it was still all good. I’m making music again, and the issue of unfair royalty distribution has been bothering me since my studies. Now I want to solve that.
“Our GEMA money, NENA got it, and we’ll never see shit” (Torch)
Simon Schütt
Project Manager / Music Producer
Music has always been my thing. I spent the first six years of my career at an audio agency in Offenburg. There, I managed the recording studio and was responsible for numerous productions in advertising, film, and with bands. In 2015, I went freelance and took on the role of Audio Lead and Art Direction for a video game project in Belfast. After returning, I focused on composing custom music for advertising and games in my own studio. But somehow, the daily routine felt wrong. My passion for my own music got lost in commissioned productions for corporate image films. So, in 2019, I switched to event management to be closer to the hands-on, closer to the art. In addition to organizing and managing concerts, I also worked as the primary contact for GEMA. With all that experience, working now in a music publisher, shaking up the industry’s walls alongside other artists, and having time for my own music again feels incredibly right.
“Music should not decorate, it should be true.” (Arnold Schoenberg)
Jan Frazier
Pixel Pusher / Sound Engineer
In the late ’90s, I started producing my first beats with an Atari and an SP1200, diving deep into music production. I became a sound engineer for both live events and studios and worked for many years in administration at a label and publisher. My passion for pop culture and new music genres still inspires me today. Currently, I focus mainly on computer science and programming, where I apply my creativity and technical knowledge to develop innovative solutions. The combination of art, music, and technology is a core part of my journey, which led me to Grundrauschen.
“Do something you really like, and hopefully it pays the rent. As far as I’m concerned, that’s success.” (Tom Petty)