Securing Your Royalties Part I

Performance Rights Organizations

If you are not registered with a "PRO" or Performing Rights Organization, some of your royalties may be going unclaimed. There are a few different organizations out there that will collect a portion of your royalties (called performance royalties) on your behalf. Today we will be discussing two that you may already be familiar with.

ASCAP

The "American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers" aka ASCAP is probably the most notable of the two. If you are an independent artist, then you have more than likely heard of this organization. They have been around since 1914 and have over 650,000 members to date.

B.M.I

Having been formed 25 years after ASCAP, with over 900,000 members and counting (including #IHQ!) "Broadcast Music Inc." is also one of the industry's leading Performance Rights Organizations.

What They Do

Music PRO's work as the middle-man between you and those that want to use your music, song & or composition. Being a music creator, if you write songs, make beats or create music in some other form, you are entitled to a performance royalty anytime your music is used publicly. It is important to understand that these organizations only collect one type of payment on your behalf:

PERFORMANCE ROYALTIES.

How You Get Paid

After you affiliate yourself as a songwriter/composer, you will be able to associate your entire music catalog with your account enabling them to keep track and pay you when your music is used. Depending on the organization, the time between payouts may be different. On average you'll most likely receive quarterly pay-outs for performance royalties owed (only if your music has actually been used). It is important that during this time that you make sure to properly credit those who collaborated together on the music. This ensures not only timely pay-outs but also cuts back on legal issues that may arise as a result of not doing so.

Which is Best for Me This is all about your preference honestly. It is best to research each organization and then make an educated decision from there. We are currently affiliated with BMI here at IHQ. There is no fee for composers/songwriters to join. The contracts are locked in for 2 years & renew automatically (unless either party decides to opt out). They have great customer service as well, very prompt at handling issues despite having almost 1 Million members. ASCAP requires a one time investment of about $50 bucks for composers/songwriters & the contracts are on a year by year basis. An ASCAP contract will renew automatically as well.

Custom Jewelry on Amazon

Important Notes

Performance Royalties (TV/Film/Radio) are paid to the songwriter &/or composer via ASCAP, BMI or Your Performance Rights Organizations.

Mechanical Royalties (Pandora/Downloads/Streams/etc.) will Paid to your Publisher. UNDERSTAND That if you release your OWN music, then You are your OWN publishing company. You therefore are entitled to collect these royalties.

Synchronization (Music paired with visual media: TV Commercials/Movies/YouTube/etc.) is often negotiated and collected up front by the Song writer or Composer. Print Royalties (when your song or instrumental is translated into sheet music) are paid to the composer and/or song writer.

We understand that this subject matter can be a bit confusing, especially to those Independent Artists who are just starting out.

We started this blog mini-series with the intention to help artists like you better understand the different royalty types & collection methods.

Are You A Lyrical Genius In Disguise?

Dive into the world of sick beats and dope instrumentals at The Instrumental Headquarters!