Can you have BMI and ASCAP?

BMI, like ASCAP, splits royalties differently between songwriters and publishers, generally splitting the total share in half for each. You can join BMI as a songwriter with just an email address, and songwriters younger than 18 can join if they also have a custodial trust bank account.

Can BMI be my publisher?

At BMI, you need not affiliate a publishing entity in order to receive publishing shares, as we pay all royalties (writer and publisher) to the composer on any self-published works. Please note that while composer affiliation is free, there is a one-time fee to affiliate a publishing company with BMI.

Do I need to register with BMI and ASCAP?

They’re relatively similar, however the main difference between ASCAP and BMI is that BMI is free to register and ASCAP has a one-off fee of $50.

How do I register with BMI as a publisher?

As a publisher you will be required to register your songs with BMI. To register a song simply login to BMI Online Services and navigate to “Works Registration”. Alternatively you may register using a “Work Registration” form—available for download at www.bmi.com/forms.

Does a songwriter need a publisher?

For new writers, it’s almost always 100\%. If you aren’t willing to give that up, there’s no need to meet with a publisher. (Note: The Songwriter always keeps the writer’s share of a song.

Does BMI copyright your music?

Your composition is copyrighted automatically when the work is “created,” which the law defines as being “fixed” in a copy or a recording for the first time. BMI does not copyright works for you. If you wish to copyright your works, which we recommend, visit copyright.gov.

Should I register with ASCAP or BMI?

BMI and ASCAP are very similar in how they collect and payout performance royalties, and have similar perks and benefits, but the lack of signup fees and faster payouts can make BMI a slightly smarter choice for songwriters.

Is ASCAP Incorporated?

In effect, the arrangement is the product of a compromise: when a song is played, the user does not have to pay the copyright holder directly, nor does the music creator have to bill a radio station for use of a song….American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Trade name	ASCAP (1914–present)
Type	Not-for-profit
Founded	February 13, 1914

How much does it cost to join BMI as a publisher?

(BMI) is also a not-for-profit organization that represents over 12 million musical works from over 750,000 artists. Membership is free for songwriters. For publishers, there’s a $150 fee for individuals and $250 for companies.

What is the difference between a writer and a publisher ASCAP?

A songwriter or composer is the creator of a work, which is a song, score or other musical composition. A publisher, on the other hand, is an individual or company that owns or administers the copyright of a work.

Should I Register my publishing company with BMI or ASCAP?

If you wanted to create a publishing company that will handle additional writers other than yourself, you must register your publishing company with both PROs in order to facilitate writers from either one. As a songwriter your PRO can be BMI. You could form a Publishing Company with ASCAP.

Do you need ASCAP or BMI to get your songwriter royalties?

The first thing that most young songwriters in the US hear is “you need to sign up for ASCAP or BMI to make sure you get your songwriter royalties.” I have to hand it to ASCAP and BMI’s PR departments. They do a great job of making themselves known.

Do I have to join BMI as a songwriter or publisher?

You must join as a songwriter if you want to receive your songwriter royalties. With a BMI songwriter account, you can collect your songwriter royalties & your publisher royalties through that 1 account. If you just joined as a publisher though, then you would not be able to collect your songwriter royalties through that account.

Can I sign a publishing contract with ASCAP?

However, you cannot sign a Publishing Contract with your ASCAP Publishing Company. You can only sign with a BMI Publisher. You may have noticed that many publishing companies have one with ASCAP and a second one with BMI. You may want to consider going that route.