Is BMI considered a publishing company?

It’s first important to know that ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, SOCAN, and other associations that collect performance royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers are called “Performing Rights Organizations,” or P.R.O.s. They are not your publisher, and do no act as you publisher.

What is BMI in publishing?

Bringing Music and Business Together BMI represents performance rights while Songwriters, Composers and Music Publishers focus on their craft.

How much does it cost to join BMI as a publisher?

Instead, there is a one-time application fee of $150 to register a publishing company that is owned by an individual, and $250 for a publishing company that is a partnership, corporation (including sole stockholder corporations) and/or limited liability company.

How do I publish my BMI company?

As a publisher you will be required to register your songs with BMI. To register a song simply login to BMI Online Services and navigate to “Works Registration”. Alternatively you may register using a “Work Registration” form—available for download at www.bmi.com/forms.

Can I be my own music publisher?

Self-publishing means that you’re not only registered as a writer but also set up a body to serve as your publisher. When self-publishing your music, you hold all the rights, IP, publisher’s credit, and songwriter’s credit. You get all the royalties and full control of the compositional copyright.

Do I need Songtrust and BMI?

Do You Need Songtrust and BMI? Only performance rights organizations, like BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.), can collect and distribute performance royalties to songwriters. If you’re not yet registered, Songtrust can take care of that and cover any fees for you.

Who pays more ASCAP or BMI?

BMI is the largest PRO in the US, with free registration but fewer benefits than the others. It pays out slightly quicker than ASCAP at 5,5 months after the end of each quarter.

How much does BMI pay per play?

If a local commercial radio feature performance is of a classical work, each performance will be paid at the minimum rate of 32 cents per minute total for all participants.

Should I get a music publisher?

So, essentially you only need a music publisher when you have written your own songs, you have got them copyrighted and are distributing them out to be used commercially. If you are still in the early stages in your music career a music publisher may not be necessary.

Is Songtrust better than BMI?

The main difference between Songtrust and BMI is that Songtrust collects mechanical and performance royalties from around the world while BMI only collects performance royalties in the United States. On the other hand, BMI is just one of those performance rights organizations that Songtrust works with.

How do you join BMI?

You can join BMI as a songwriter with just an email address, and songwriters younger than 18 can join if they also have a custodial trust bank account. Joining as a publisher also requires the name of the publishing company and a credit card.

Should I join BMI?

Joining BMI is an important early step in an aspiring songwriter, composer and/or artist’s career. If you have written at least one musical composition, either by yourself or with others, and the composition is currently being performed or is likely to be performed soon, you should join BMI.

What is BMI licensing?

A BMI License provides you with the legal authorization you need to use a very powerful product – music. This product is the music creator’s property, so a licensing agreement protects your business or organization from the penalties involved in copyright infringement.

How can I join BMI or ASCAP?

The easiest way to join ASCAP or BMI is by visiting their respective websites. The entire application process can be handled online – this is true for both songwriters who want to join and for publishers who want to join. Each group has a one-off fee involved in applying.