ASCAP and BMI, does it make any sense?

[tcdave]

I was wondering if it makes sense for the average songwritter to join ASCAP and/or BMI?

What do you think about them?

Is it really not worth it as an independant songwriter?

What kind of "real world" benifits do they have?

tcdave

 

[joro]

you can get a 5% professional discount at Guitar Center for being an ASCAP member.....
that's real world...ya know?

Membership is free in both...
it's easier to join BMI though (trust me on this...)

if you ever have something published...these orgs. are supposed to collect your royalties for you......I always wonder how they manage to stay staffed/funded.....hmmmm....

 

[philboyd studge]

If you've got big hits out there in the radio world it doesn't matter. For the little guy I think BMI is better. I've been in both as a writer and publisher. I don't know what ASCAP's statements looks like these days but I like the way BMI's are set up, easy to understand and informative.

 

[tcdave]

more comments?

Any more comments about ASCAP and BMI?

tcdave

 

[Kramer]

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]

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

True, but it doesn't have to be a major release through RIAA or Sound Exchange, it can be independant. 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. There's no hurry. To register songs in anticipation of release and airplay is kind of a waste of everybody's time.

 

[tcdave]

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.

I was think of going the www.live365.com route. It is internet radio and I'll pay about 8 bucks a month, but I'll be "out there" where people will be listening.

tcdave