From Artists House Music: In this clip from www.artistshousemusic.org - Todd Brabec is the Vice President and Director of Membership for the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). He talks about the differences between ASCAP and BMI. One of the main differences is the reason each organization was founded. ASCAP is a writer and publisher owned organization dedicated to enforcing the copyright law. BMI is a corporation owned by the broadcasting industry. The two organizations also differ in other ways such as payment formulas. Also in this segment, Brabec stresses the affiliation regulations. Writers have to join one or the other. However, writers are free to switch to the other organization. The significance of a good relationship with foreign societies is covered as well. Brabec also focuses on the importance of having a contact at the performing rights organization (PRO). Also in this segment, he offers some advice. Brabec recommends knowing information such as the PRO's philosophy and if they pay correctly in certain areas.
Fellow songwriters, this is Anthony Lloyd, leader of Electric Chair 3000, and a professional songwriter. (Yes, I have received songwriter royalties, thus, I am a professional songwriter.) Dear songwriter, please join BMI, ASCAP or SESAC, these organizations are here to help you get your due royalties.
Personally, I don't care which one you join, that's your business but you should join one of them. As it says in the video, do research the PRO, performing rights organazation, before you join.
As of 2011, I am a member of BMI. BMI is home to Mariah Carey, Rhianna, and Taylor Swift to name a very few of the thousands of artists who claim BMI as their PRO.
What else should you songwriters do? Learn to copyright your songs and join Sound Exchange and The Harry Fox Agency. More on those organizations in other posts.
Anthony Lloyd
Electric Chair 3000
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