A Few Questions about BMI (or ASCAP)

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BeatsByMarkus

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Hello,

I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with.

I create hip hop instrumentals and I just signed a contract with an agent who will try to place my instrumentals with rappers, labels, managers, etc.

She said that I probably should join with BMI (or ASAP) so I can be prepared for any new business but it seems BMI requires a release date of a work to join.

Is there anything I shoud do to prepare or should I just wait for an actual release? If I wait, is there a lag time for the paper work to go through that might do me harm?

Also, can I join as a songwriter with my own publishing without having an actual song to publish?

Lastly, if I join without creating a separate publishing company, does this hurt my bargaining power with a publishing company who might want to buy some (or all) of my publishing? Or can I always create my own publishing company later?

Thanks much in advance,

Markus
www.BeatsByMarkus.com
 
ASCAP and BMI are Damned Liars and Thieves!

It doesn't matter much which Liar and Thief is the best/worst.

Of course, the Idiot Element always has a case of the ass about the mention of the VMG website. Nevertheless the information contained in the website about ASCAP and BMI is absolutely accurate. It is also information that you should know about with respect to your questions.

I am suggesting that you do join one just in case you might be able to get them to pay you your due should you have something that generates performance royalties. Don't bet or count on it happening though.

The VMG information may provide you with the guidance that you need to make your decisions.

You might find these OLD threads also useful to you and this particular endeavor.

http://www.avmrnetwork.com/MusicDis...f Starting a Publishing Co Think Twice! 1.mht

http://www.avmrnetwork.com/MusicDis...f Starting a Publishing Co Think Twice! 2.mht
 
All hell should break out on this one!

ChristopherM - in case you have a problem with the mention of the VMG information (which you usually do), I suggest that you go and ASK the owners of the places that you play how much they have to pay the extortionists ASCAP and BMI to have live music. And KNOW this - the songwriters and publishers of the music that is played NEVER receive it unless they happen to be in the pay clique.

The bar owners and clubs loathe paying the bill especially when all they want to have is PROOF that the money they are paying GOES to the people to whom it is due.

I don't know if you are a songwriter let alone an affiliated songwriter/publisher, if you play YOUR songs publicly and YOU are affiliated with one of the damned liars, YOU should receive your due - THE BAR/CLUB PAID FOR IT. If you don’t think so, read ASCAP’s and BMI’s websites.

pashophead - with all your 20+ years of experience in this industry. Tell these people exactly what to do to get paid from these damned Liars and Thieves. You damned well KNOW they should if you have the experience that you claim you have! If you don’t know this, your experience isn’t worth much because this is an integral component of this industry and you should damn well know it!

BlueJackass – why don’t you research THIS SCAM OUT!!!! The Damned Liars and Thieves at ASCAP and BMI are a legitimate scam. I can hardly wait to see what your research comes up with. But, my bet is that you’ll be gutless coward and won’t do a damned thing.
 
You can join either organization as either a songwriter or as your own publishing company.

If you're serious about selling your music, take what everyone here has to say with a grain of salt and contact a professional entertainment attorney.

;)
 
Re: All hell should break out on this one!

Another PK said:
ChristopherM - in case you have a problem with the mention of the VMG information (which you usually do), I suggest that you go and ASK the owners of the places that you play how much they have to pay the extortionists ASCAP and BMI to have live music. And KNOW this - the songwriters and publishers of the music that is played NEVER receive it unless they happen to be in the pay clique.
Click to expand...

I don't have a problem with the mention of VMG. I have a problem with dragging the same old bullshit feud into new posts that come up. This guy just wants advice and you're using the "reply" button to pick fights. Really, don't you think it's getting a bit lame?
 
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Join Something

You don't join one of um you won't get "Any Pay".
ASCAP,BMI,SESAC, Song Writers Guild of America.....


D
 
hmmm...

I think my question wasn't clear guys. I'm not asking about which one should I join or "if" I should join. I have pretty specific questions so if u care too - read my first post again.

Thanks much!

Markus
www.BeatsByMarkus.com
 
BeatsByMarkus said:
Hello,

I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with.

I create hip hop instrumentals and I just signed a contract with an agent who will try to place my instrumentals with rappers, labels, managers, etc. Did you get a Music attorney to look at the contract? Aaron Nevel signed a contract too, Had big,Big hits. Bout starved to death. Committed a crime-got caught, did 20 years in prison. Guess that's where he learned about the music the 2nd time. I'm not being tackey. Just don't sign anything without a Music lawyer scoping it out . That is unless you know something about music law your self. IMO

She said that I probably should join with BMI (or ASAP) so I can be prepared for any new business but it seems BMI requires a release date of a work to join. Call them up and ask them to send you the paper work. There's no problem to jion. Just tell them you plan on a release soon. Even if you are not sure.

Is there anything I shoud do to prepare or should I just wait for an actual release? If I wait, is there a lag time for the paper work to go through that might do me harm? Not sure. I've been a BMI member for 12 years and it took about 2 weeks to get the paper work, fill it out, send it back, then get the letter saying I was in.

Also, can I join as a songwriter with my own publishing without having an actual song to publish? When you join BMI and you write a song you own 200%. Heck you own 200% anyway if you are joined up or not. Usually the publisher trys to get 100%. (in reality these terms are confusing, but 100%=50%)

Yes you can join with out having an actual song to publish.

Lastly, if I join without creating a separate publishing company, does this hurt my bargaining power with a publishing company who might want to buy some (or all) of my publishing? Or can I always create my own publishing company later? IMO you need to learn more about publishing, who BMI,SESAC,ASCAP,etc. are and what they do or what they don't do, won't do, or can't do.

D

Thanks much in advance,

Markus
www.BeatsByMarkus.com
Click to expand...
 
Thanks Dyson

Thanks for answering my questions Dyson - I appreciate it!

I'll do more research and talk to my lawyer about the details...

Markus
www.BeatsByMarkus.com
 
BeatsByMarkus said:
Hello,

I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with.

I create hip hop instrumentals and I just signed a contract with an agent who will try to place my instrumentals with rappers, labels, managers, etc.

She said that I probably should join with BMI (or ASAP) so I can be prepared for any new business but it seems BMI requires a release date of a work to join.

Is there anything I shoud do to prepare or should I just wait for an actual release? If I wait, is there a lag time for the paper work to go through that might do me harm?

Also, can I join as a songwriter with my own publishing without having an actual song to publish?

Lastly, if I join without creating a separate publishing company, does this hurt my bargaining power with a publishing company who might want to buy some (or all) of my publishing? Or can I always create my own publishing company later?

Thanks much in advance,

Markus
www.BeatsByMarkus.com
Click to expand...


As soon as you have written material you should join.
The ASCAP website has some great info. If you need more you can email Ralph Murphy there he is a great guy.
You can pay a small fee and open your own publishing company if you wish. If your going the indie route this might be beneficial. For the most part 100% of nothing is nothing so at this point keep to the basics and protect your material. If you are the next Timberland some big lawyer will work out the details
Cheers

PS I will no longer be involved or respond to anything VMG/ The General /Another PK.....as far as I am concerned they contribute nothing to assist anyone.....pretty much like that fly that never leaves the picnic.
 
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