More Things To Do Before Releasing A Song (ASCAP, BMI, SoundScan, BDS, MediaBase)

Summary

This video script serves as a comprehensive guide for independent musicians on the necessary steps to take after completing a song. It emphasizes the importance of registering with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP or BMI to collect royalties from radio plays and sync licensing. The script also covers the process of copyrighting music with the U.S. Copyright Office, obtaining UPC and ISRC codes, and registering with digital distributors and chart tracking services like SoundScan. Additionally, it highlights the value of registering with radio tracking services like BDS and Mediabase, which can be crucial for artists seeking label attention. The video aims to ensure musicians are not only promoting their music but also setting themselves up for financial success.

Takeaways

• 🎵 After finishing a song, it's crucial to register it with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to collect royalties for radio plays and sync licensing.
• 💼 As an independent artist, consider creating a business entity like an LLC or S Corp to separate personal and business finances and to handle publishing.
• 📄 Register your music with the copyright office on copyright.gov to protect your work legally, which includes applying for both lyrics/melody and sound recording copyrights.
• 🔢 Work with a digital distributor to obtain UPCs (Universal Product Codes) and ISRCs (International Standard Recording Codes), which are essential for tracking sales and distribution.
• 📊 Submit your music to SoundScan to track sales and chart positions, which is important for visibility and industry recognition.
• 📡 Register your tracks with radio tracking services like BDS and Mediabase to monitor airplay and demonstrate your song's popularity to labels and other industry players.
• 💼 Ensure all administrative tasks are completed before reaching out to licensing companies or seeking radio promotion to streamline the process and maximize opportunities.
• 🔗 Having your backend paperwork in order, including PRO registration and copyright, is essential before engaging in music licensing or radio promotion.
• 🌐 Research and utilize various music licensing companies to explore opportunities for placing your music in TV, apps, games, and other media.
• 🎧 Engage with services like PlayMPE for radio promotion to increase your song's exposure and potentially gain more spins on the airwaves.

Q & A

What is the first step an independent artist should take after finishing a song before publishing?

The first step an independent artist should take is to register their song with their performing rights organization (PRO) such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to handle radio royalties and sync licensing royalties.

Why is it important to sign up as both a writer and a publisher with a PRO?

Signing up as both a writer and a publisher ensures that the artist receives full royalties for their songs, as the writer receives royalties for the composition and the publisher receives royalties for the use of the composition.

What is the role of a publisher in the context of music royalties?

A publisher collects and distributes royalties for the use of the composition, such as in radio plays, TV shows, or other media. If an artist does not have an official publisher, they can act as their own publisher.

What is an LLC or S Corp, and why might an independent artist consider starting one?

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) or S Corp (S Corporation) is a type of business entity that can provide legal and financial benefits such as limited liability and tax advantages. An artist might start one to separate their business and personal finances and to formalize their music business.

Why should an artist register their music with the copyright office?

Registering music with the copyright office provides legal protection for the artist's work, making it easier to enforce their rights and collect royalties for uses of their music, such as in TV shows, movies, or other media.

What are UPCs and ISRCs, and how do they relate to music distribution?

UPCs (Universal Product Codes) and ISRCs (International Standard Recording Codes) are unique identifiers for albums and individual tracks, respectively. They are necessary for digital distribution and help track sales and plays for royalty payments.

How does registering with SoundScan benefit an artist?

Registering with SoundScan allows an artist's music sales and plays to be tracked and potentially charted, which can increase visibility and credibility in the industry.

What are BDS and Mediabase, and why are they important for an artist's promotion?

BDS (Broadcast Data Systems) and Mediabase are services that track radio airplays. They provide valuable data on where and how often an artist's music is played, which can be used for promotional purposes, such as targeting cities for tours or pitching to labels.

What additional steps can an artist take after completing the administrative work to promote their music?

After completing the administrative work, an artist can reach out to licensing companies for placements in TV, apps, or games, or explore radio promotion services like PlayMPE to increase airplay.

Why is it beneficial for an independent artist to have their backend paperwork in order before publishing a song?

Having backend paperwork in order ensures that an artist is prepared to collect all potential royalties and protect their rights, making it easier to capitalize on opportunities for music placements and licensing.