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:c:

I agree with David's suggestion of calling up BMI and asking them directly. You really want to set it up correctly from the start, rather than try to fix something later.

I belong to BMI as a writer, but also collect publishing on my own music without having to join as a publisher. At some point I'll probably join as a publisher, but for the time being the current setup is working.

David, I guess I'll answer your question from the other thread here, although it's really kind of a broad question.

I have had generally good experiences with BMI. I've had more problems with producers not filing cue sheets at all, or giving me incorrect information than any problems with BMI. Once a cue sheet is logged into the BMI database, it's hard to go back and get changes made. And it seems to take a long time. That's why I suggested to "ao" that he do his research first and make sure he joins up with all the paperwork in order.

It's hard to complain about a company that sends you checks a few times a year! :-)

I will say that BMI does a great job of collecting film/TV royalties. They also do a good job of collecting royalties off cable, and the cable music channels. I've also gotten internet radio airplay royalties from BMI. Broadcast radio royalties is not so good, but I don't know if that is BMI or just the system, which is heavily weighted toward the big labels.

I've heard that ASCAP is better for songwriters, and BMI for film/TV folks. But that's just old wives tales probably, I have no idea whether that's true or not.

If you have any more specific questions I'd be glad to try and answer them.

To answer your question as simply as I can I must ask a few more questions. 1- are you making a great deal of money from music and do you have music publishing related expenses? 2- Do you plan to sign other writers to your publishing company? If you are planning to deduct expenses on 1040 forms then I would say to go the extra mile and do your DBA with the City/County and go from there. My publishing company is a corporation and we do have several writers signed to it. You can contact Brooke Primont at the BMI office in NYC for more details. She's a great resource.

Good luck.

Originally posted by ao:
Hey all once again! I'm back with another? for the people who can help me out.

If a person signs a publisher aggreement with BMI must a sole proprietorship be established in the country of one's residence (or is this optional)?

Thanx again guys.- Ara

Suggestion... look into ASCAP, too.

Bill