ASCAP or BMI ? & Why...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Larry_K
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Larry_K

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Hello out there,
Now that I see I am starting to actually sell some CD's and getting requests to submit it for airplay, I need to be able to get my pennies for commercial airplay royalties.
If anyone has a recommendation to use either A.S.C.A.P. or B.M.I. , and why they prefer one or the other, I would appreciate the input.

Larry
 
Larry, your sig link does not work. Would like to check out your cd/music. Thanks...
 
there's also sesac

i looked at all of them after some discussion i had on this site. sesac is the company i would go with. but i'm more into smaller companies. i don't remember what it was about them other than the fact that they are smaller than the other 2, but i remember feeling like they were the way to go.
 
I'm a new member of BMI as of this year. I won't find out til the end of the year whether or not I get any royalties or not, but chances are, no. I've heard you have to get some substantial airplay to get any. The song I had released was played on a handful of college radio stations that report to the cmj charts, so we'll see, but that's probably not enough to get $.01. The label that released it recommended BMI as their artists had had more previous success w/ them.
 
I have been leaning towards BMI

Seems to be the buzz with other "indies" that they are happiest with them. I know it is free to join as an artist, but since I registered my work with for PA as well I will register fo publishing, This is not a big $ to invest if they track the mechanical royalites and stuff. Thanks for the replies.
(homespun, try the sig link here, I musta typoed the last time :confused: ) You can follow the links from there to my site.
This solo project was recorded completely in my simple home studio. I hope to keep working on my recording studio and techniques to make my next project sound even more like it came from a "big" studio.

Larry
 
I just applied at ASCAP because most of my favorite artists use them.
A few days later, I discovered SESAC. I would have chosen them if I didn't already submit to ASCAP.
 
Unless you have a charting single, you won't see any radio money from any of the Performing Rights Organizations.
 
Larry K - just to clarify - ASCAP, BMI & SESAC do not track mechanical royalties - that is what the Harry Fox Agency (HFA) does. ASCAP, BMI & SESAC deal with performance rights and royalties.

BMI is probably the best choice because it is free. There may be a small initial fee, but no annual dues.

SESAC is VERY selective as to who they will let join. Don't feel bad if you try and are turned down.

ASCAP is great, but it costs $ to join, and then a fee every year.


I am currently an ASCAP member but am thinking about switching to BMI.

I don't know if BMI has benefits like ASCAP - with ASCAP you have a credit union, 5% off of most GC and MF purchases... A free dinner once a year if you live in L.A. or NY, and some other stuff.


Brad
 
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