A Guide to Maximize Royalties for your music

Navigating the complex world of music royalties can be a confusing for independent artists. However, understanding the various places where you can register your music is crucial to maximizing your potential earnings. After uploading your music through a distributor to collect streaming royalties there are still other places you’ll want to register your music!In this guide, we’ll walk you through the primary places to register your music in order to collect all the royalties!

Performance Rights Organizations (PROs):

Performance Rights Organizations play a pivotal role in collecting and distributing performance royalties for artists. When your music is played on radio, TV, live performances, or streaming services, you're entitled to performance royalties. Register with PROs like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, depending on your location and preferences. These organizations ensure you receive compensation whenever your music is publicly performed.

Mechanical Royalties:

When your music is sold or reproduced, you're entitled to mechanical royalties. To collect these royalties, register your songs with mechanical rights agencies like Songtrust. Additionally, ensure your music is properly licensed when covered by other artists or used in films, commercials, or video games.

SoundExchange:

SoundExchange focuses on collecting and distributing digital performance royalties for artists and copyright owners when their music is played on non-interactive streaming services like Pandora and SiriusXM. Registering with SoundExchange ensures you receive royalties from these digital platforms.

To thrive as an independent artist, it's essential to be proactive in registering your music across various platforms.Remember, the more diligently you manage your rights and registrations, the more you position yourself for success in the competitive music industry. Keep in mind it is important to have reasonable expectations around royalties, unless your music is being played and used a lot do not expect any of these to offer a major payday. That being said, every cent counts and its better to be set up for success for when your music starts taking off!