BMI
-
Go to www.bmi.com
-
Click “Join” → “Join as a Songwriter” (or “Join as a Publisher” if you own a publishing company).
-
Fill out your personal info and music details.
-
Pay a one-time fee:
-
Songwriter: Free
-
Publisher: $150 (individual) or $250 (company)
-
-
Once approved, you’ll get access to your BMI account dashboard to register songs.
Tip: Register every song you write so BMI can track and pay you performance royalties.
How To Register:
Purpose: Collects and pays performance royalties for songwriters and publishers when your music is played publicly (radio, TV, live shows, streaming, etc.).
ASCAP
-
Visit www.ascap.com
-
Click “Join ASCAP” → choose Songwriter and/or Publisher.
-
Complete the online form with your legal and payment info.
-
Pay a $50 one-time fee for each role (Songwriter and/or Publisher).
-
Once approved, log in to your ASCAP Member Portal and start registering your songs.
Tip: You can only be with one PRO at a time (BMI or ASCAP, not both).
How To Register:
Purpose: Same as BMI — collects and pays performance royalties to songwriters and publishers.
Sound Exchange
-
Go to www.soundexchange.com
-
Click “Register Now” → “New Artist Registration.”
-
Create an account as a Featured Artist, Rights Owner, or Both.
-
Upload your music metadata (artist name, ISRC codes, song titles).
-
Add payment details to receive direct deposits.
Tip: SoundExchange pays artists and labels — not songwriters. It’s separate from BMI or ASCAP.
How To Register:
Purpose: Collects digital performance royalties for artists and copyright owners when your recording (not songwriting) is streamed on digital radio — like Pandora, SiriusXM, or iHeartRadio.
How To Register with BMI/ASCAP or SoundExchange
Revenue Streams + Monetization Tips
What to Post:
-
Different income streams (streaming, live shows, merchandise, licensing, brand deals)
-
How to register with BMI/ASCAP or SoundExchange
-
Step-by-step guides for collecting royalties
-
Creative ways to make money beyond music (content creation, online courses, or eBooks)
Royalties
1. Streaming Royalties
-
You get paid when people stream your songs on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube.
-
Collected through your distributor (like DistroKid or TuneCore).
2. Performance Royalties
-
Earned when your song is played on radio, TV, or performed live.
-
Collected by PROs like BMI or ASCAP for songwriters.
3. Mechanical Royalties
-
Paid when your song is streamed or downloaded.
-
Collected by The MLC or publishers.
4. Publishing Royalties
-
Earned from writing the lyrics or melody.
-
Collected by your publisher or Songtrust.
Publishing & Licensing
Music Publishing:
(Song Writing Money)
You earn money for writing the song — lyrics, melody, or composition.
You get paid when your song is:
-
Streamed or downloaded (mechanical royalties)
-
Played on radio, TV, or live (performance royalties)
-
Used in movies, shows, or ads (sync royalties)
Collected by PROs (BMI, ASCAP), The MLC, or your publisher (like Songtrust or Kobalt).
In short: You make money every time your songwriting is used anywhere.
Music Licensing (Usage Money)
You earn money when someone licenses your song or recording to use in:
-
TV shows, films, ads, video games, or YouTube videos
-
Even social media campaigns or brand promotions
You get:
-
An upfront sync fee
-
Plus royalties when it airs or streams
In short: You get paid when people use your song for visual or commercial projects.
Performance Roles
Performance Roles (Whoever Does What & Who Gets Paid)
Artist / Performer:
The person who actually performs or records the song (sings, raps, plays instruments).
-
Gets paid from streams, shows, and sales.
-
If signed, earns royalties after the label recoups costs.
Example: You record the track — you get paid for the master recording side.
Songwriter/ Composer:
The person who writes the lyrics or melody.
-
Gets paid publishing royalties (performance, mechanical, sync).
Example: Even if you don’t perform the song, you still get paid every time it’s played publicly.
Producer:
Creates the beat, arranges, or records the song.
-
Gets a split of the master royalties.
-
May also get publishing if they helped write the music.
Example: A producer might own 50% of the song’s master.
Musicians / Background Vocals
Play instruments or sing on the track.
-
Usually paid a session fee (one-time payment).
-
Don’t earn royalties unless negotiated in writing.
Performing Rights Organization (PRO)
Not a person, but key to performance income.
-
BMI, ASCAP, SESAC track when your song is played publicly.
-
They pay songwriters and publishers their performance royalties.
In short:
-
Artists get paid for the recording.
-
Songwriters get paid for the composition.
-
Producers share both sides depending on credits.
-
PROs make sure everyone gets their performance money.
How Record Labels Operate (Major vs. Independent)
How Record Labels Operate (Major vs. Independent)
What a Record Label Actually Does
A record label is essentially a business that helps artists create, promote, and distribute music to the public.
Their main goal? To make the artist’s music profitable.
Most labels handle:
-
Funding: Paying for studio sessions, producers, videos, photos, marketing, and touring.
-
Distribution: Getting the music on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and in some cases, physical formats.
-
Marketing & PR: Promoting songs, building the artist’s image, and getting media coverage.
-
Artist Development: Helping shape the artist’s sound, image, and brand identity.
-
Business Administration: Managing royalties, copyrights, publishing, and contracts.
In return, the label takes a percentage of revenue and often owns the master recordings (meaning they control how the music is used).
Major Record Labels
Major labels are the “big players” that dominate the global music industry.
The Big Three are:
-
Universal Music Group (UMG)
-
Sony Music Entertainment
-
Warner Music Group (WMG)
These companies have massive resources, global marketing teams, radio connections, and powerful distribution networks.
How They Operate:
-
Investment: They offer big budgets for recording, marketing, and touring.
-
Control: Because they invest heavily, they often control the master rights and decision-making power.
-
Contracts: Artists typically sign multi-album deals that last several years.
-
Departments: They have full teams—A&R (talent scouting), marketing, PR, radio promotion, legal, and touring divisions.
-
Reach: They can make a new artist go global almost instantly.
Pros:
-
Access to major funding and resources
-
Large-scale exposure and radio play
-
Connections with top producers, songwriters, and media outlets
Cons:
-
Loss of creative control
-
Lower percentage of profits (labels often take 80–90%)
-
Long-term contracts that can be hard to exit
Example: Artists like Drake, Taylor Swift (previously), and Doja Cat started or worked under major labels.
Independent Record Labels (Indies)
Independent labels operate without the financial backing of a major corporation.
They’re usually smaller, more personal, and focused on niche markets or specific genres (like R&B, hip-hop, or alternative music).
How They Operate:
-
Flexible Deals: Indie labels often negotiate fairer splits (like 50/50) and may let artists keep their masters.
-
Smaller Teams: They have fewer people, so artists often have a closer relationship with their label.
-
DIY Spirit: They focus on organic growth, fan engagement, and creative freedom.
-
Distribution: They often partner with independent distributors like DistroKid, TuneCore, or EMPIRE.
Pros:
-
Greater creative control and transparency
-
More ownership of your music
-
Personalized attention from label staff
Cons:
-
Smaller budgets for marketing and promotion
-
Limited access to mainstream media or radio play
-
Slower growth compared to major label support
Example: Labels like EMPIRE, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), and LVRN are well-known successful indies that grew their artists into household names (like SZA and Kendrick Lamar).
The Business Side (How Money Flows)
When a label signs an artist, they often give an advance — an upfront payment that must be recouped (paid back) before the artist sees profits.
Here’s how it typically works:
-
Label invests in production, marketing, and distribution.
-
Music is released and generates income (streams, sales, licensing).
-
Label recoups all expenses from the artist’s share.
-
Only after recoupment does the artist start earning royalties.
Example:
If your deal gives you 20% and your album makes $100,000, but the label spent $60,000 in expenses, you don’t get paid until that $60K is made back.
Before signing anything, get a music attorney to review your deal. A good lawyer can help negotiate ownership terms, royalty splits, and creative control — protecting your long-term career and income.
Roles of Manager's, A&R's, & Agents
Behind every successful artist is a strong team. While the artist is the face of the brand, their team works behind the scenes to manage business, growth, and opportunity. Three of the most important roles are the Manager, Agent, and A&R — each with a unique responsibility in building and sustaining an artist’s career.
The Manager — The CEO of the Artist’s Career
A manager is like the artist’s business partner and advisor. They oversee the artist’s overall career, helping make major decisions, organize the brand, and execute long-term strategies.
Think of them as the “CEO” of the artist’s career — guiding the vision while balancing creativity and business.
Main Responsibilities:
-
Career Planning: Helps map out short-term and long-term goals (albums, tours, partnerships).
-
Team Building: Hires and manages the rest of the team — publicist, agent, lawyer, etc.
-
Business Negotiation: Works with the lawyer to negotiate contracts, deals, and brand partnerships.
-
Scheduling & Logistics: Keeps the artist organized with meetings, appearances, and deadlines.
-
Brand Strategy: Shapes the artist’s image, messaging, and marketing direction.
Key Traits of a Good Manager:
-
Trustworthy and loyal
-
Business-savvy with strong industry connections
-
Good communicator and problem-solver
Example: Think of Scooter Braun (Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande) or Rich Paul (LeBron James in sports) — both manage talent and business with strategy and influence.
The Agent — The Deal Maker for Live Opportunities
An agent focuses on booking paid opportunities for the artist — like live shows, tours, festivals, appearances, and brand sponsorships.
They’re licensed professionals (in most states) and often work for booking agencies that represent multiple artists.
Main Responsibilities:
-
Booking Shows: Finds and negotiates live performances, tours, and event appearances.
-
Tour Planning: Works with promoters, venues, and tour managers to create tour schedules.
-
Brand & Endorsement Deals: Sometimes helps secure partnerships or collaborations that pay.
-
Contract Negotiation: Handles performance agreements and ensures fair pay and conditions.
-
Revenue Maximization: Helps the artist earn more by increasing booking rates and expanding reach.
How Agents Get Paid:
-
Usually take 10–15% commission from the artist’s earnings for gigs they book.
Example: A talent agent might book an artist for Rolling Loud, a college show, or a brand-sponsored tour — making sure all travel, performance fees, and logistics are covered.
The A&R (Artist & Repertoire) — The Talent Scout and Developer
An A&R works for a record label or music publisher, and their job is to discover, develop, and guide artists creatively.
They act as the bridge between the artist and the label — finding new talent and helping shape the sound, style, and potential hits.
Main Responsibilities:
-
Talent Scouting: Finds and signs new artists with potential (through social media, showcases, word of mouth).
-
Creative Development: Helps artists find producers, songwriters, and the right sound for their music.
-
Project Coordination: Oversees recording sessions, album rollouts, and song selection.
-
Feedback & Direction: Gives input on singles, visuals, and release strategies.
-
Connecting Artists to Opportunities: Aligns artists with collaborations and partnerships that elevate their career.
Key Skills of a Good A&R:
-
Great ear for talent and trends
-
Deep music and market knowledge
-
Relationship-building with artists, producers, and executives
Example: A&R executives like Tunde Balogun (LVRN) or Tunji Balogun (Def Jam) have discovered and developed top talent like SZA, 6LACK, and Bryson Tiller.
Pro Tips for Artists:
-
Choose a manager who believes in your vision — not just your potential profits.
-
Don’t hire an agent until you’re ready for consistent live performances.
-
Build a relationship with A&Rs, even if you’re independent — they can open powerful doors.
-
Always keep communication open between all three roles — your career is strongest when everyone’s aligned.
Distribution & Publishing
Music Distribution (Getting Your Music Out There)
Think of distribution like delivery.
You made the product (your song), and now you need someone to deliver it to stores so people can buy or stream it.
What distributors do:
They take your music and send it to all the major streaming platforms — like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, and more.
Examples of distributors:
DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, UnitedMasters, and EMPIRE.
How they make money:
Some charge a flat fee (like $20 a year), others take a percentage (like 15–20%) of your royalties.
Why it matters:
Without a distributor, your music can’t be streamed or sold anywhere officially. They make sure your music is everywhere fans listen — and that you get paid when it’s played.
In short:
Distribution = getting your music delivered to all streaming platforms so fans can find it.
Music Publishing (Protecting & Getting Paid for Your Songwriting)
Think of publishing like ownership and collection.
You wrote a song — that means you own a piece of intellectual property (like owning land). A publisher helps you protect it and get all the money you’re owed from it.
What publishers do:
They register your songs with performing rights organizations (like BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC) and make sure you get paid when your music is:
-
Played on radio
-
Streamed online
-
Performed live
-
Used in movies, TV shows, or commercials
Types of publishing royalties:
-
Performance royalties – when your song is played in public (radio, TV, concerts)
-
Mechanical royalties – when your song is reproduced (streamed or sold)
-
Sync royalties – when your song is synced with visuals (like film or TikTok videos)
Examples of publishers:
Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell, Kobalt, or independent ones like Songtrust.
In short:
Publishing = managing your songwriting rights and collecting every dollar your music earns.
Quick Example:
Let’s say you wrote and recorded a song called “Dream Big.”
-
Distribution: DistroKid uploads your recording to Spotify and Apple Music. You get paid every time someone streams it.
-
Publishing: BMI tracks when “Dream Big” is played on the radio, at a club, or in a TV commercial — and makes sure you get those extra royalties.
Both are needed if you want to make all the money your music deserves.