Guide
Can I finance my song? Advances, loans or selling
By the Sell Your Song team · Last updated:
Yes, you can finance your song in three ways: take an advance, take a loan against your music royalties, or sell your share for a lump sum. The big differences are whether you have to pay the money back and whether you keep the song's future royalties.
A music royalty advance
An advance is money paid up front by a distributor, label or specialist company. It's usually recouped from your future royalties, so you receive little or nothing until it's paid back. Some advances require you to stay with that distributor or label for a set time.
A loan against music royalties
A loan is borrowed money secured on your royalties. It must be repaid, often with interest, whatever the song earns. If royalties fall, you still owe the money.
Selling
Selling gives you cash now with nothing to repay and no interest. In exchange, the future royalties on whatever you sell go to the buyer.
Advance, loan or sell: side by side
| Advance | Loan | Sell | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do you repay it? | Yes, usually from future royalties | Yes, often with interest | No |
| Do you keep future royalties? | Yes, once the advance is paid back | Yes | No, on the share you sell |
| Speed | Varies by provider | Varies by lender | Usually a few weeks once statements are checked |
| Paperwork | Agreement; may tie you to a company | Loan agreement and checks | Statements and a sale contract |
| Best for | Artists staying with one distributor or label | People confident of steady income to repay | People who want cash now and certainty |
Selling isn't right for everyone
If your song is growing quickly or you'd rather keep its upside, an advance or simply waiting may suit you better. To be clear: we don't offer loans or advances — we buy songs. Read all the ways to get money for your song and can I sell my song?.
Frequently asked questions
What is a music royalty advance?
Money paid up front against your future royalties, usually recouped from those royalties before you're paid again.
Can I get a loan against my music royalties in the UK?
Some lenders offer them. A loan must be repaid, often with interest, even if your royalties fall.
Is selling better than an advance?
Neither is always better. Selling has nothing to repay but you give up those future royalties; an advance lets you keep them once repaid.
Does Sell Your Song offer advances or loans?
No. We only buy songs or shares of songs.
Do I pay interest if I sell?
No. A sale isn't borrowing, so there's no interest and nothing to repay.
Sell Your Song is a trading name of Royalties Inc Ltd. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.