Securing Ones Publishing

Securing Ones Publishing

Justin McWilson

Sept. 8, 2011

This week in The Underground Report: We begin the three-step process to getting ones music out in the market place (digitally). This includes obtaining publishing, acquiring copyrights and distributing content.

The process of choosing a publishing rights organization is very similar to buying a home or securing a car loan. While it isn’t the most complicated process in world, those that don’t do the proper research often regret the outcome. With only three major performance rights organizations out there (ASCAP, BMI and SESAC), the delicate procedure of choosing one can become truly cumbersome. Each provides similar services however, a separate list of added incentives.

ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) has been and continues to remain the home for many of America’s most successful artist. This list includes such greats as Duke Ellington and Stevie Wonder to Leonard Bernstein and Beyoncé. According to the companies website they state that their sole aim is to

…Protect the rights of its members by licensing and distributing royalties for the non-dramatic public performances of their copyrighted works. ASCAP’s licensees encompass all who want to perform copyrighted music publicly. ASCAP makes giving and obtaining permission to perform music simple for both creators and users of music (http://www.ascap.com/about/ )

As an added incentive, those that choose to join the org. receive a variety incentives including:

…workshops, showcases, our website and publications, and an exclusive, tailor-made benefits package that includes health and instrument insurance, a credit union, discounts on musical accessories, travel and much more. ASCAP is committed to nurturing music makers throughout their careers (http://www.ascap.com/about/ ).

BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) working in similar fashion states their mission as follows:

…collects license fees on behalf of songwriters, composers and music publishers and distributes them as royalties to those members whose works have been performed (http://www.bmi.com/about/ ).

The company that was established in 1939, as an alternative PRO (performing right organization) also boasts star-studded line up of musicians it represents. Including Kanye West, Michael Jackson, Elton John and an array of there’s. Aside from an impressive roster the company also provides users with a variety of vital tools.

This means instantaneous information on catalog, royalties and contract status. Computerization has facilitated the collection of performance data, distribution of royalty payments, management of licensing fees and automation of accounting functions. No other licensing organization can boast of such an extensive and accessible body of information (http://www.bmi.com/about/entry/533108).

SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors & Composers) originally founded in 1930 (New York) by German immigrant Paul Heinecke. The goal, of the company at that time was to help European publishers with their American performance royalties.

With an established cornerstone repertory of the finest European Classical Music, SESAC began to turn its attention to American music in the 1930s (http://www.sesac.com/About/History.aspx).

A few of the writers connected to the label include Aesop, Rock Adonis and Brian Cox. Artists aside the company also provides:

…a highly independent, innovative, profitable and market-driven performing rights organization, sensitive to the concerns and interests of its affiliates, users, employees and shareholders (http://www.sesac.com/About/Careers.aspx).

Once one has chosen the company they would like to represent them, the next is simply filling out an application fee and providing evidence of their creations.

Next topic: Acquiring copyrights.