A short guide to collecting music royalties. Get paid for your music

1. Understand the different types of music royalties:

There are several types of music royalties, including mechanical royalties, performance royalties, synchronization royalties, and print royalties. Mechanical royalties are paid to songwriters and publishers for the sale or streaming of recorded music. Performance royalties are paid for the public performance of a song, such as on the radio, TV, or in a live performance. Synchronization royalties are paid for the use of a song in a movie, TV show, or other visual medium, while print royalties are paid for the use of sheet music or lyrics.

2. Register your songs with a performance rights organization (PRO):

PROs, such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, collect and distribute performance royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers. To collect these royalties, you’ll need to register your songs with a PRO and list yourself as the songwriter and/or publisher.

3. Register your songs with a mechanical rights organization (MRO):

MROs, such as the Harry Fox Agency, collect and distribute mechanical royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers. To collect these royalties, you’ll need to register your songs with an MRO and list yourself as the songwriter and/or publisher.

4. Monitor your royalty streams:

Keep track of where your music is being played or used to ensure you’re receiving all the royalties owed to you. This can be done through various tools and services such as streaming analytics, PRO statements, and MRO statements.

5. Take action to collect unpaid royalties:

If you notice that you haven’t been receiving all the royalties owed to you, take action to collect them. This can involve contacting the relevant organizations and providing documentation to support your claim.

6. Keep accurate records:

Keep track of all the royalties you receive, as well as any related expenses, in order to accurately report your earnings and pay taxes on them.

7. Consider working with a royalty collection service:

If you’re a busy musician or songwriter, you may want to consider working with a royalty collection service, which can handle the process of collecting and distributing royalties on your behalf for a fee.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you’re collecting all the music royalties owed to you and maximizing your earnings as a songwriter or publisher.

Here are links to some of the major music publishing agencies:

1. ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) – https://www.ascap.com/
2. BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) – https://www.bmi.com/
3. SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers) – https://www.sesac.com/
4. Harry Fox Agency – https://www.harryfox.com/
5. Music Reports – https://www.musicreports.com/
6. SoundExchange – https://www.soundexchange.com/
7. Songtrust – https://www.songtrust.com/
8. Kobalt Music Group – https://www.kobaltmusic.com/
9. Concord Music Publishing – https://concord.com/publishing/
10. Sony/ATV Music Publishing – https://www.sonyatv.com/

These are just a few examples of the many music publishing agencies out there. It’s important to do your research and choose the agency that’s right for you and your music.