Kramer said:Im pretty sure BMI wont even let you apply for membership UNLESS you fulfill the following requirements:
1.Your works are about to be commercially recorded and released.
2.You have written/co-written or composed a song which is or is likely to be performed on radio, television, internet, etc.
3.If you are at the stage of your career mentioned above, please enter the RELEASE DATE of your recording in the space below.
https://apps.bmi.com/affiliation/
Here's an article that might be of some use to you.
http://www.mindspring.com/~hitmeister/topic.htm#pro
philboyd studge said:Alternative radio and internet radio isn't a high paying market but it is something, so if you happen to get your material in that kind of airplay you should consider registering the song/s with BMI or ASCAP at that time as writer and possibly publisher.