ASCAP vs. BMI for Independent Artists: Distrokid Is Not Enough!

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Here is an extra bonus regarding how to get royalties for beats leases, custom beat production, and beat-involved collaborations: If you are a producer, you usually don't need to register your beats with ASCAP or BMI. There is one exception: If the beat, as-is, without any alterations or vocals, is going to be played on the radio, streamed on Spotify, or synced to television, etc. In that case, the beat is considered the FINAL VERSION of the musical work. Only when the audio is finalized, you should register your beat. Otherwise, you don't need to register the beat because the beat on its own (without vocals) is not the final song and won't generate any royalties. ASCAP or BMI doesn't protect or copyright your beats in any way, and since they are not a publisher (Performing Rights Organizations are not Publishers), they can't detect when your beats are used by artists in a mixtape or on an album. Instead, sell your beats and services directly to artists via a work for hire agreement which you can download and use here: www.indiemusicacademy.com/free-contracts If you produce a beat that eventually turns into a song that is publicly released and distributed on Spotify, iTunes, Radio, etc, and you DID NOT use a work for hire agreement, there is a good chance that you can get writing credit INSTEAD of conducting a work for hire. In this case, you still will not register your beat on ASCAP or BMI, but you DO want to be listed as a songwriter when the FINAL SONG is registered. When registering, it is very important that you register using the new song title and the performer information on the new work (not the original beat) to collect on your portion of the writer's share of the newly created song using your beat. In order to make sure that you get credit on the final song for your work on the beat, keep a record of the splits you agree upon using this document here: www.indiemusicacademy.com/free-contracts If your beats are being licensed as-is to TV and Film as instrumentals, you STILL NEED TO REGISTER on ASCAP & BMI, but there is a completely different piece of paperwork you need to fill out. Usually, you will be asked to fill out a cue sheet by a music supervisor. The cue sheet documents which of your tracks are used in the film and the number of times. If the film is lower budget and doesn't have a music supervisor, you can download this cue sheet and give it to the director: www.indiemusicacademy.com/free-contracts Hope this helps!

[@drich8807]

So if you make a lofi beat or jazz track that is all instrumental no vocals and you want to setup streaming on Spotify, Apple Music etc and get paid off of your music streaming do you have to setup publishing when signing up for BMI or just register as a songwriter?

[@djcj]

this is awesome man

[@djcj]

@@drich8807 Speaking from my experience here. I've used Distrokid to get my music on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, etc and been paid for my streaming from them. Royalties from on-demand streaming services like Spotify are mechanical royalties. In the video he's stating that you use a PRO (Ascap, BMI, etc) to register your music and collect "Performance & Publishing Royalties" when your music is being performed, on TERRESTRIAL radio (not Spotify, etc), when your music is potentially a SYNC deal (Netflix, etc), etc.

[@dtrelzmusic]

I really think you should make a video with in-depth about this because this is controversial considering there is a market for Beat Tapes... I like you content I truly believe you're great a helping, but this one is just a little to fuzzy... Thanks

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Very nicely explained. I hit the bell and I also subscribed. Keith Kuhn KK Motion Pictures Also on KZbin I have not made one penny yet I probably never will.

[@AquariZx]

Thank you, I just signed up for BMI. I write my own lyrics, rap and record them over non exclusive licensed beats. This side of the business is new to me, so your video was very helpful. Hope I am doing this all correctly.

[@GualaYoTM]

This video was so helpful, I signed up for BMI and enter 200% as the songwriter and 0% to the publisher. Keep the knowledge coming.

[@GualaYoTM]

@@TheRealShawnCrowe If you review the content in this video, you will get the answer to your question. Be Blessed!

[@suburbanflower]

one of the most informative videos i've seen on the subject of what a pro controls and how royalties are managed. thank u

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

suburbanflower thank you!! Glad to help :)

[@raularaujostrw]

4.21k subscribers? WHAT? I thought this channel would have tens of thousands of subscribers at least because the content is perfect. I’m subscribed. 💪

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

HAHA thanks a lot man. I hope soon I'll be at that level! For now, it's just me and my little channel. Thanks for being a supporter in the "early days!" :)

[@thcastrainvideos3092]

I have to agree with your comment, this guys is super good at conveying information. I just subscribed as well.

[@bjs9648]

lool look at him 6 months later, that's crazy

[@jordyntaylor5968]

Hes got like 36k now holy jesus droppings😂

[@drumthom]

now 48k

[@carthur799]

Thanks this was really helpful after I learned that you cannot belong to both - ASCAP took my money and said sorry you cannot be a member of both and told me I had to cancel BMI to get my money back - I am new to all this so your videos have been very helpful! Thanks for sharing!

[@BoiNlz]

Thx for sharing. 🙏

[@KatrinaBello]

thank you for these videos! they've been amazing resources for a newbie like me trying to release music online independently! grateful for you sharing this knowledge and the others on your channel bc it can seem overwhelming at times.

[@aspersings]

Can't believe how great of a channel you have! Thank you so much for helping all of us :)

[@RoyalMilyonaire-ez3ld]

Wow! I didn’t know I needed all this important info. Thank you so much! Signing up for BMI now!

[@pauliestorm]

I've been watching your videos all morning and wondered if you had a video showing the steps to take after you have written and recorded a song ... in order. Also publishing confuses the hell out of me lol .

[@KiddKainMusic]

This is My Next Step...Thanks finally a video that makes sense....Im always looking to take my music to the next level......All these tips are Key in success, I feel i should be signed already, all suggestions im taking notes and learning as i go...Lets Link Up!! Goodluck to all artists!

[@HotelPools]

I got screwed by ASCAP years ago on sync royalties. My 50/50 writing partner would make 2.5k for a sync on Tv with BMI and I’d get $350 on ASACP. Even split.. I moved my entire catalogue to BMI.

[@illy1music]

do you have to pay the fee every year or is it a one year fee...or is it a monthly fee?

[@johngreasy]

@8:00 I get my royalties from Ascap my music plays on radio and tv. So make sure you own your music it can be done in the US,CA,UK Etc!

[@craigdaubbeats-rapinstrume9185]

Thanks you answered the exact question I had. I'm a no name producer who's just uploading my beats everywhere now so I'm just worried about collecting on my own streams right now. I didn't know whether I had to sign up as a publisher or not. Thanks for clarifying that for me!!✌️

[@ermanevcil]

Just second time, you have covered many questions in one video.. Thank you !!

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Glad to have you on the channel! I pinned your other comment on the distrokid video because it was so helpful. Thanks for getting involved and contributing!

[@ermanevcil]

@@IndieMusicAcademy Thank you !

[@djcj]

Great video. Awesome explanation and editing as well.

[@Nastyace2012]

Should an independent artist living in a different country sign up for BMI or ASCAP? Or even other PROs? Do they collect royalties from music being played in other countries as well or just the USA?

[@FelixSunMusic]

Thanks so much. I’ve learned a lot from your video and have decided to try to register some of my music with BMI.

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

I'm so glad you are getting inspired! Best of luck!

[@FelixSunMusic]

@@IndieMusicAcademy Thank you : )

[@archiedollars8607]

Thank you !! I appreciate the info!!

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

You're very welcome!

[@Balance.]

thank you! i could't decide until i watched this video.

[@bitbotrecords]

wow had no idea about this, thank you for the intel.

[@willmcmillan1430]

These videos are super helpful. Thank you for all the time you have devoted to making them.

[@camschells]

Aight my friend told me bout that, but where is this on DistroKid? I'm lost

[@keespop1739]

Best video on this subject by far. Thanks for this.

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Thanks for watching! It means a lot!

[@danzeyboii2014]

Free Game!!! I Love it. I see now, I've been missing out on royalties now thanks Guy!

[@stheller]

Your the best and your videos are awesome and informative, but, i am having trouble registering for your website or workshop. Need advice. Thanks so much.

[@bluesslider76]

Hearing veteran artist in the business say, “ own your own publishing” seems like good advice. Wouldn’t it be safer to sign up under songwriter and publisher then split percentages even across both categories ? I’m a novice and trying to get into this arena. Thanks for any help !

[@GualaYoTM]

Good question.

[@jayfblank]

Always try to get your own publishing, is what I heard. It seems that even that split, can be split and we want to capture everything we can.

[@scottMurray-ll3re]

I've got to say this has been one of the most informative videos I've followed..subscribed and learning Thamks Ryan!

[@tengumusic8078]

Lots of amazing information here. I was alarmed when I read through distrokid’s agreement and saw that they are not protecting your music in ANY way, so your knowledge is relieving.. I’ll register my music with BMI. In your comment you also mentioned that PRO ‘s are NOT publishers, does this mean you must register your music with BMI, a distributor (optionally), AND a publisher? And who is a publisher then, the US commissions office? Thank you so much for the value. Gonna keep researching this before I put any serious cash into advertising.

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

You don't need a publisher if you go with BMI. You're covered.

[@tengumusic8078]

Indie Music Academy thank you sir. So as you stated in your other video, (if I were to sign up for every service you personally choose) to cover all the bases would be AWAL, BMI, Soundexchange, songtrust, and US copyright office.. correct?

[@RAME]

This is so informative and accurate! Thank you!

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

It’s truly my pleasure, thanks so much for watching and for leaving a note :)

[@PJJBOSSMUSIC]

how you became a music channel?

[@ORIGINAL_MEDIA]

Could you explain how BMI pay royalties? How to transfer money. How that process is done ?

[@jonnkonstantine9660]

Wonderful content help me lot for my music career thanks man :)

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Happy to help!

[@theworldstage7712]

You deserve way more followers sir, your content is incredible.

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

I appreciate that!

[@SpectrumAudi0]

you sir gained a new sub great video and super clear. Good job.

[@bencekadar-szabo7898]

Really liked the video, but I don't think you can choose 100% for yourself at ASCAP if you have no publisher. I just tried they need the 50-50 split. Is there any solution for that in case I don't want to apply as a self-publisher at ascap?

[@NovakaneDaVishez1]

Great content definitely will subcribe. Quick question, I am a song writer/ beat maker but I've been registered for years as an artist on BMI but a publisher on Ascap. When I put out my music, should I just stick to BMI or do I need to cancel 1 of these? What's your advice?

[@topdawgc3]

I’d like to know the answer to this as well , good question

[@AMetalheadsJourney]

Thanks for clearing that up. Your videos are super informative.. I've subscribed already!

[@terrafractalbeat7312]

The world seems to be built around America. Would there be a more relevant publishing company for people in europe? I see registering as a publisher with BMI requires a USA bank card.

[@octavio-blues-sound3022]

Great...! A lot of useful information for composers today...!!! Please, could you do some video on what's needed for sign up on "Sound Exchange" and, more detailed about its advantages for cover and translator artists, (for poetic translation covers of Hendrix, Stones, Beatles and all the 50s, 60s, 70s Rock, Blues hits into Spanish...)...??? Thanks a lot...!

[@selahmoonie]

Thanks for this! BMI now charges $75 to sign up as a writer. It was not announced publicly. 😕

[@DrewJarrod]

In your opinion do you look at CD Baby Pro Publishing any different than just the regular CD Baby - still as a distributor only?

[@AnthonyPardiMusic]

How does a vid with 34 K have such far superior content to other channels on the topic with millions? insanity

[@stephenmedina9760]

I've Learned to much thank you for making this channel you rock

[@SigJawBeats]

A lot of good info here. Look forward to checking out more videos

[@gwhizbeatz814]

It’s been two weeks since I registered with BMI and still haven’t got verified I’m bout to sign up with ASCAP

[@fumarfuego]

Thanks for the clarification... that old school music business keeps rearing it's head

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Yes it does :(

[@PDHMusic-Chillhop]

Thank you man. God bless.

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

You as well, thank you for the comment!

[@prestonslack9148]

Can you do both?!

[@arunachalamusic]

brilliant tutorial! thank you so much!

[@JD-im2kh]

Your videos are very informative! I applied to BMI but they don’t have customer service. Anyone have any luck contacting BMI recently? I have been trying to contact them for a month. I spoke with one person and they said they would help but never called back. Then I emailed and was told my inquiry was sent to another department. I never heard back, emailed again and no reply. I called again and I only get voicemails. I called ASCAP to check if they have customer service and I got ahold of a real person in a couple minutes!

[@nikkicheon1499]

So,, can you register your song with ASCAP after you distribute your music through Tunecore? or should my song be registered first with ASCAP

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

You can do them in either order, but it's probably best to register with ASCAP first just because there is such a loooong processing time. Where as Tunecore is fast and will get your music out in a week or so.

[@ethereal9155]

Question : why are you using Tunecore and not Distrokid - which is cheaper, right ?

[@proverbalizer]

@@IndieMusicAcademy but don't you need an ISRC code that you will get from tunecore?

[@MrFelipeZuniga]

Thanks for all the good explanations man. I have a question, if you just moved to US and you never got a IPI in your country, how can you get one in the US? Thanks in advance for the info. Cheers!

[@LilManMoe]

Ryan is the GOAT!!

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Thank you LilManMoe!!!!!!!!

[@Gsupreme909]

Dope video! If I register on BMI as a songwriter and later create a publishing company can I switch over all my music to my publishing company after I register as a publisher ?

[@milamarie3207]

I wonder the same thing!

[@Ez_Ukulele]

Thank You Ryan! If I have CD Baby Publishing (vs standard distribution), I would list them as publisher at 100% and myself as the other 100% then?

[@lucilleballs2291]

I think you would, yeah (1 year late T_T)

[@kymafaux]

If someone else purchases a beat from me and then registers their song through Bmi/Ascap do they need my CAE/IPI # to register it?

[@DavidMuguercia]

Hey man ! Great video , I just wanted to ask if registering with bmi It can also protect the copyright of youtube ?

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

BMI does not protect copyright at all. They only collect some royalties. They offer no protection of any kind.

[@DavidMuguercia]

Ohhh ok thanks !!! Do you know how can I do that ?

[@pepper634]

@@DavidMuguercia technically once you create your song and upload it to the public its already "copyrighted" however a lot of music creators do suggest in registering your songs here copyright.gov/ just to be safe and i do suggest it, hope this helps!

[@jazzmakina]

Excelente video hermano.! Gracias! saludos desde Latinoamerica

[@28sds]

dope information appreciate the help

[@KeturahKeith]

Your a blessing Thank you so much ! God bless you!

[@ghallabmusic]

Very good

[@speedyslug]

If my music has no buzz tho is it even worth spending all that money just to not make even close to the affiliation fee back?

[@theelaveaux]

Is the P.R.O. even worth it if you're not on radio or movies? Do you even make any money at all on it?

[@proverbalizer]

Bmi is free for writers...but there's a one time fee for publishing companies

[@gabrielroomvm6209]

Wow. This info is priceless

[@MediaMusik777]

I like your studio but it missing studio foam

[@eddiegetdownortiz]

It's not allowing me to download from the site. This is great information....

[@GoldsHouseMusic]

Does it mean that BMI is not collecting any royalties from Spotify plays? Only distributer does it?

[@davide2261]

Great video! Thanks. I would ask two questions: 1 - I am not registered in any PRO, I offer my music (under a non-exclusive agreement) on different royalty-free music libraries and I want to join synch music libraries such as Taxi or similar where I could collect also some royalties: is there any issue offering the exact same tracks which are already been sold in royalty-free music libraries such as Pond5 or Audiojungle or I should put them down before joining any sync music libraries? 2 Can I join BMI if I am not a US citizen and I don't live in the US? Thanks again for your content and time!

[@surenaslanyan4265]

Hi. Thanks for helpful information but i have got a question. Whether all the places from which ASCAP and BMI collect my royalties in US, the same way will control and collect also oversees in my case in Armenia.

[@jco482]

Thank you for this awesome video! 👍🙏 Keep posting you're great!

[@LeilaDandan]

Okay great! So since distrokid is a distributor and not a publisher, what do I put down as the publisher, Me?

[@Shaylanoelle]

Thank you for this free knowledge!

[@Samdutchy]

Hi I am from Europe And I am Independent Artist ,What did i need to Register With BMI as Publisher?

[@empiricalmatador]

Hi Ryan, thanks for the info! I started registration for BMI and came across this passage in the writer's agreement: "4. Except as otherwise provided herein, you hereby grant to us for the Period: (a) All the rights that you own or acquire publicly to perform, and to license others to perform, anywhere in the world, in any and all places and in any and all media, now known or which hereafter may be developed, any part or all of the Works." Does this mean that they own the rights to the work, and how would that be possible if they don't copyright work in the first place? I would appreciate anyone who could shed some light on this. Thanks!

[@djgainzzz]

I know a kid who gets studio time from a guy… this guy told him in order for him to continue to get studio time and access to music video filming he has to sign up with BMI thru him. Does that make sense? Does that make him like his manager where he gets a percent? I’m confused. I know the young man is as well. 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@Rennatheeomnipotent]

Also are you getting more money from BMI since its out of 200 % verses ascap ?

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

You get the same amount of money from both. It’s just a different system they use. $100 from ASCAP = 100%. $100 from BMI = 200%. Either way, you still earned $100.

[@jowyjozef]

When it comes down to numbers it's still 50-50 split....unless you got others who collaborated as in the instrumental, songwriting, performers, engineering... etc. Then the split goes out to all of them, so you'll get a smaller percentage.

[@WavebeatsMusic]

great video mate! Thanks a lot! Very informative! just sub to your channel! :)

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Thanks for the sub!

[@evakano-entrepreneurmusicp3703]

Thank you for sharing the information. My question: I registered for ASCAP as a composer on some compositions on my album released in 2017. But, I want to register all of my compositions on my new album. Do I have to cancel my ASCAP membership first even though my compositions of mine I'm going to register with BMI are totally DIFFERENT ones? On BMI registration site, it says I have to provide them with the proof of cancelation of my membership with ASCAP. Why? Should I cancel my membership with ASCAP and re-register my old compositions registered with BMI and register my compositions on my new album?

[@bobjohnson7441]

Can only be registered with one or the other. If you cancel your ASCAP membership, any songs already in their system will stay in their system. Your new songs after cancellation would be registered with BMI. If you use any of the ASCAP songs on the album you do after you're a BMI member, you simply identify the ASCAP songs and the BMI songs. Btw, you would still continue to receive any money from ASCAP that their catalog might generate.

[@dan78668]

What if I’m a artist and I own a entertainment company and a record label. Do I need BMI or ascap? Also what about United masters?

[@roya00000]

asides submitting with tunecore publishing, what else do I need to sumbit my songs to? in your opinion? I was thinking BMI and soundcloud monitization + tunecore publishing would take care of everything? may I know your opinion?

[@craigpowell4149]

FYI... BMI now charges $75 for a writer account.

[@OverlookeDEnT]

@9:10 you mention needing to sign up as a publisher to collect if you provide the beat/instrumental? Why not just have the artist set a split when registering and just set you as the "composer/songwriter"?

[@stevieg_dj]

What’s the deal with registering on these PROs outside of the US.

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Hey so yes, there's a PRO for every country, so google your country and it's PRO.

[@waynesimmonsdmd41]

excellent content, excellent delivery, extremely valuable . Thank you. 2024

[@GLM40]

Can u upgrade ??

[@stanleywallace2692]

What if your a independent record label LLC owner and your registering your artists music...what would you register as a Publisher or a songwriter if you was using BMI OR ASCAP?

[@khanvict113]

Hey did you decide what you were going to use?

[@BLKTeeze]

I’m an independent artist. My music isn’t lkYed on radio, tv, movies, public areas, etc I only stream.. “Spotify, Soundlcoud, KZbin, Apple, etc”... do I need a PRO ?

[@j5545]

What about song trust?

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

We actually can answer more questions via email, to better serve our community and streamline communication: www.indiemusicacademy.com/workshop This is also a free workshop that will offer some free valuable content as well. Reach out to Kyle via email if you want more information, we'd love to explore more with you!

[@taviabrissett8057]

7:15 that's not fear though ascap and being need to have a system that registers song/ music use to get a more accurate results

[@jahiemjones66]

I'm a member to Ascap, and publisher as well, I created an original song words and music, titled [ " I live you " ]. Performed live at a night club by me , Its been on KZbin quite some years have I generated anything as the original author?

[@eastoneverett4269]

Thank you for your insights. So are you saying that aside from the PRO affiliation(or artist account?) that is included in a CD Baby distribution of a song the artist must also register each song with a PRO outside from what comes with your distibutors PRO sign up of your song? Thank You

[@koontzman123]

If I do covers as a busker, do I have to pay someone? If I upload my covers of songs to spotify, do I need to notify and pay someone?

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Steve, those are two completely different scenarios with different answers so I'll answer them separately: Technically busking is not a musical performance and does not generate performance royalties. Busking is legally considered to be artistic free speech and is protected, just as is panhandling or begging. That's why sometimes buskers get kicked out of places where free speech is not permitted. Any other "performance" that is done in a venue like a bar, or restaurant does generate royalties for the original songwriter of the cover and your setlists need to be uploaded to your PRO so that the PRO can attribute royalties generated by your setlist to the proper songwriters. They are paid out of the blanket license that the establishment pays yearly in order to have music legally at their place of business. The second scenario is a completely different situation and you can NOT release a cover on Spotify without securing a mechanical license yourself. A mechanical license allows artists the freedom to reinterpret or re-record songs that are not in public domain, so long as the song is entirely a re-creation and doesn’t pull material from the original song via CDs, a stream, digital download, etc. But you need to follow some strict rules. According to Soundrop Distribution, the best way to know if you’re in the clear is to follow these rules: "A cover song is faithful to the melodic and lyrical components of the original composition." "A cover song CAN (and often should) take stylistic liberties, making changes to the genre, tempo, key, instrumentation, etc." "If you are recording the very first version of a song you did not write, it's NOT a cover song (and you will need the permission of the songwriter/publisher)." To learn how to get a mechanical license, check out the article I wrote on the Indie Music Academy Website for all the finer details :) www.indiemusicacademy.com/blog/how-to-cover-a-song-legally

[@koontzman123]

@@IndieMusicAcademy thank you so much for your answer Ryan, you certainly know your stuff!

[@AkhileshKumar-fk3od]

@@IndieMusicAcademy is it the same for remixing a song?

[@trokey6323]

I'm a little late to this video when it comes to asking questions, but I hope you're still answering! So I use Distrokid to distribute my music, and in this video you say to not put them as a publisher. So who should be the publisher then?

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

If you're not signed to a publishing company, then you are self published and you leave it blank. Put 200% in the songwriting.

[@metalbeethoven]

Very informative video! But as for the country I live, we don't have a tax treaty with the US so I have to pay a withholding tax of 30% on my earnings. Is there any P.R.O that I can register to that is outside of US just for me not to pay this huge withholding tax please?

[@cool-jl8ym]

Where do you live could be CMOS or even pros around your region

[@megastreethitz1210]

ASCAP is free now too today is 4/15/23

[@pepper634]

very informative video thanks! just subscribed :-) my question is what if you already have BMI and you decide you need to change your current stage name and AKA on the online writer application for affiliation we fill out its the #10 Pseudonyms or other names (AKAS) used as a writer. How can we change those? And 2nd question just to be sure.. do we need to renew our BMI contract after the period of the agreement from- to already passed? Thankyou.

[@laura33933twitch]

Hello , so BMI can help me copyright my song too?

[@The_Penny_Seventeens]

Nice video thanks for creating this! Can I join both Awal and BMI ? Beginner here ready to push my music and not sure if that is ok or not please help…

[@t1mboslic3]

Can you register a songwriter's portion if you bought a mechanical license from a beatmaker? I feel like most mechanical license prohibit this but I have only acquired 3 previously and just produced myself to save the administrative burden

[@illy1music]

if you get your on ASCAP or BMI will you be able to recoupe the money you would have made before you had it or only going forward?