BMI? ASCAP?

Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2004 11:08 pm

I have heard a lot about BMI and ASCAP, and that I need to sign up with them, but could somebody give me the exact definition of what these companies do? Why do I need to sign up with them? Is it easy? Is it free? Also which one is best? Very Happy

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 12:16 am

These are performing rights organizations. They keep track of radio, club play and so on and make sure you get paid everytime your song is performed. In the United States, there is one more organization called SESAC to consider. You really don't need to join one of these unless you anticipate having significant airplay in the near future - otherwise it won't be worth the membership cost. AS for which one is best, i've heard that writers on all three make about the same ammount of money, so I suppose they are equal.

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:26 pm

BMI averages the radio take and then distributes the money to the top percentage .. where ASCAP actually takes the logs and pays the individual writers. So if you're a big star or writer BMI is a better wy to go .. if you're a writer of one song or a smaller recording act then ASCAP is better.. SESAC is a Canadian organization.

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 2:45 pm

SESAC Canadian? I've not heard that Kurt. I do know that they have headquarters in New York, LA, and Nashville and that US acts are registered with SESAC. Can you tell me more?

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 3:10 pm

No I don't have more info on that ... it is just what i have heard for the past 20 years or so ... I could be wrong ... but I don't think so ....

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 3:28 pm

Cool, thanks. Well one thing about them that's interesting is the waveform recognition software they use instead of the regular paid listener technique. Any opinions as to if this makes them better that the rest?

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 3:34 pm

David,
No your mention is the first I heard of this.

You will notice if you look, that many publishers / recording artists use multiple collection agencies .. like you will see ASCAP/BMI on a lot of credits. This is so they collect payments (in some cases) twice or at least, can choose between which one will pay more. Just because you register with one of them does not preclude you from registering with the others ...

Respected Past Moderator Joined: Mar 13, 2001 Posts: 1256

sesac isn't canadian. they pay the highest rates. they pay even for college radio play. bob dylan and niel diamond are on sesac. they used to invite only... but are opening up...

bmi is a bitch to get off of

Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:08 am

Thanks, RecorderMan!

I was hoping that I'd get some more posts on this thread if it was stickied!

This is some good info to have, folks.

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 6:45 am

Instead of guessing look here http://www.sesac.com/index.aspx?flash=1

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 7:40 am

Before committing to one or the other, this would be a good time to talk to an entertainment lawyer and business manager who are familiar with these companies, royalty audits and other issues.

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 12:10 pm

Yea, I agree with taxman here. Many moving parts in the pro's (Professional Rights Orgs) that can frutrate if you don't get the all the info.

Respected Past Moderator Joined: Mar 13, 2001 Posts: 1256

uh... I am very familiar. my points stand with absolute first hand experience.

Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 12:01 pm

Sesac is in Nashville, and if you can get in w/ them they are the most "indie friendly" PRO out there.

Good luck getting anybody on the phone up at BMI if you're not Nelly. Or Nelly Furtado. Ha...

I do BMI and it works fine. Would love to buy out and fly over to SESAC though. Hopefully soon if our manager works the gears!

Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 11:27 pm

I'm a member of ASCAP. They give you a whole bunch of benefits besides getting you the money you deserve for airplay / performance etc. With an ASCAP card you also get discounts on hotels, car rentals, Uhauls, insurance for your gear, merchandise, and the list goes on and on. Just go to each organization's website and read up so you can pick what would be best for you!

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