BMI vs ASCAP vs SESAC: Choosing the Right PRO for Your Music Career

You’re an aspiring musician, right? You write songs, produce beats, or perform on stage. Knowing how to handle music royalties is crucial for you.

You’ve probably heard about BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC. These are the “Big Three” Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) in the United States. They ensure you get paid when your music is played in public.

Each of these organizations has its own strengths and licensing procedures. Picking the right one is a key decision you need to make for your career.

Key Takeaways

• Learn about BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC for music royalties
• Compare their methods and services for artists
• Choose the right PRO based on your needs

Understanding PROs

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When you’re starting in the music industry, it’s important to know about PROs. These are Performance Rights Organizations like BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC. They help you get paid when your music is played in public.

BMI and ASCAP are more popular and open for everyone. You’ll find that joining BMI is cheaper for artists, while ASCAP is more accessible for publishers. Both have massive reach with BMI being slightly larger, but ASCAP is older by 25 years.

On the other hand, SESAC is exclusive and invitation-only. This means you can’t join unless someone invites you. It’s a more niche option compared to BMI and ASCAP.

Remember, choosing a PRO depends on your needs and preferences. So take your time and pick the one that fits you best.

What are BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC

You might be wondering about BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC. Let’s break it down for you.

• BMI: Broadcast Music, Inc.
• ASCAP: American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers
• SESAC: Society of European Stage Authors and Composers

These are known as Performance Rights Organizations (PROs). They protect creators like you. Your work in the music world needs safeguarding, and that’s their job.

Each organization collects royalties. When your music plays publicly, they pay you. Simple and crucial for your career!

Now you may ask, what sets them apart? No worries, we’ve got you covered:

Remember, choosing the right one is important. So give it a good thought and good luck on your music journey!

Knowing the Big Three

When diving into the music world, you’ll encounter BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC. These are known as the “Big Three” Performing Rights Organizations (PROs).

Each PRO serves a purpose. They collect royalties on your behalf when your music is played on various platforms. No need to worry about that, they’ve got your back.

The differences between the three may seem small, but can matter to you. For instance, ASCAP contracts last one year, while BMI’s last two years. So, if you’re the type who values flexibility, BMI might suit you better.

ASCAP is the oldest of the Big Three, established in 1914. They manage over 10 million works from 550,000+ members, and membership costs $50 for both songwriters and publishers.

Now, let’s talk numbers:

• ASCAP: 550,000+ members
• BMI: More favorable contracts
• SESAC: Invite-only

The choice is yours. Consider the details and pick the PRO that aligns best with your music career goals.

BMI

What BMI Does

If you’re an artist, BMI collects and distributes royalties from your music on your behalf. They ensure you get paid when your songs are played.

Joining BMI

Joining BMI is simple. As an artist, you can register online for a low fee. It’s more accessible for creators like you.

BMI for Creators

BMI represents over 10 million works from numerous artists. As a member, you can:

• Easily manage your catalog
• Count on a large network for support
• Gain access to performance data

By joining BMI, you’re well supported on your music journey.

ASCAP

What is ASCAP?

ASCAP is a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) in the US. It helps you get paid when your music is played in public places.

Becoming a Member

Joining ASCAP is simple. Just visit their website, follow the steps, and pay a one-time fee.

ASCAP’s Benefits

ASCAP has many benefits for artists:

• Royalty collection: They collect and distribute your performance royalties.
• Networking: Attend ASCAP events and meet other professionals.
• Advocacy: ASCAP fights for your rights as a creator.

Make sure to compare ASCAP with other PROs like BMI and SESAC before making your choice.

SESAC

Understanding SESAC

You might be wondering, what is SESAC? SESAC stands for Society of European Stage Authors and Composers. It’s a performing rights organization (PRO) focused on managing music rights. It’s like BMI and ASCAP, but with a unique twist.

SESAC’s Unique Approach

Unlike ASCAP and BMI, SESAC is invitation-only. This means you can’t just sign up. They offer a more personalized approach to managing your music rights. SESAC is smaller than the other PROs, but they still have a long list of established artists and composers on their roster.

Why Choose SESAC

If you’re an aspiring musician, you may wonder why to consider SESAC. First and foremost, they focus on quality over quantity. As a member, you could enjoy personalized service and support. But remember, entering SESAC isn’t easy – you must be invited.

In short, SESAC is an option for musicians looking for personalized service and a unique approach to music rights management. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons before deciding on the right PRO for you.

Comparison of Royalty Collection and Distribution

As an aspiring musician or producer, it’s crucial to understand the differences in royalty collection and distribution.

BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC are the top three performance rights organizations (PROs) in the US. Each one handles royalty collection differently, so let’s dive in.

BMI:

• Offers a pro-rata system
• Payouts to members depend on the total pool
• Computes royalties using a quarterly radio survey
• Read more

ASCAP:

• Follows a share-based approach
• Royalties depend on your work’s popularity
• Uses a weighted system for surveying
• Read more

SESAC:

• Invitation-only and more exclusive
• Targets specific markets for royalty collection
• Offers quicker payouts to members
• Read more

Keep in mind the benefits of each PRO and choose wisely, since it’s a personal choice. Good luck on your music journey!

Services for Artists and Businesses

When looking for a PRO, you want one that suits your needs. There are three major PROs in the US: BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC. Let’s see how they serve artists and businesses.

BMI is the largest and most popular. It’s also cheaper for artists to join. You’ll receive performance royalties and manage copyrights for your music. The process is simple, making it beginner-friendly.

ASCAP is the oldest and slightly smaller than BMI. It offers a more accessible platform for publishers compared to BMI, as reported by Musician Wave. ASCAP gives you the chance to network and access exclusive events.

Lastly, SESAC is exclusive and invitation-only. It’s great for artists looking for a small, exclusive community. According to MidderMusic, the payment process for royalties is slightly different from ASCAP and BMI.

Stay informed, and choose the right PRO for you!

The Money Flow

When you’re in the music biz, it’s all about the cash. In this section, we’ll look at how the money flows through BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC.

First, let’s talk about royalty collections. BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC are called PROs (Performance Rights Organizations). They’re like your financial BFFs, collecting cash for public performances of your music.

Here’s a rundown of what they do:

• Collect: They gather fees from radio stations, venues, and streaming services.
• Pay: They distribute the money to composers, publishers, and songwriters.

But wait, not all PROs are created equal! BMI and ASCAP are open to the public. SESAC, on the other hand, is invite-only. Exclusive, huh?

Now, let’s check out how they charge:

BMI

• Composers/Songwriters: $0
• Publishers: $150-$250

ASCAP

• Composers/Songwriters: $50
• Publishers: $50

SESAC

• Composers/Songwriters: $0
• Publishers: $0

At the end of the day, you need to pick a PRO that jives with your style. So shop around, ask questions, and find your best fit. Rock on!

Live Performances and Royalties

When you perform live on stage, you want to get paid, right? Well, your choice of PRO (Performance Rights Organization) matters. Let’s dive in.

BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC?

Each PRO has its own way of handling live performance royalties. They collect these funds from venues and distribute them to artists like you. So, make sure you choose the one that fits your goals!

BMI: Offers a Live Music Royalty Program. For small shows, you can submit your setlist online and receive payment. No hassle!

ASCAP: They also have a system for payments. File a claim detailing your show info, and they’ll handle the rest.

SESAC: This is more exclusive and invitation-only. If you manage to join, they’re great at getting payments for big-time gigs.

Remember, your music is worth something! Make sure you get the royalties you deserve.

Licensing and Legal Stuff

When you create music, it’s crucial to understand how Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) work. They handle licensing and royalties. Let’s dive in.

ASCAP has a 1-year contract for songwriters, making it flexible. They offer several benefits, such as discounts on music-related services, car rentals, and hotel accommodations. Plus, you get access to the annual ‘ASCAP I Create Music Expo’ event. Sounds fun, right?

Moving on to BMI, they have a 2-year contract for songwriters. This non-profit organization represents more than 750,000 musicians, so you’ll be in good company.

Lastly, SESAC is an invite-only PRO. It has a more exclusive vibe, focusing on a smaller group of musicians. Keep this in mind when choosing your PRO.

So, there you have it. Remember to pick wisely, and may the licensing force be with you!

Choosing the Right PRO: Factors to Consider

When picking a PRO, keep these factors in mind:

• Ease of joining: BMI doesn’t require fees for songwriters. ASCAP, however, asks for an initial fee.
• Size and reach: BMI and ASCAP cover the US. SESAC is more exclusive and invitation-only.

Consider your long-term goals:

• Do you prefer a bigger organization?
• Is digital royalty collection crucial?

Finally, review the benefits each PRO offers. Some offer discounts, educational resources, and networking events. Pick one that aligns with your career.

Making Your Choice

When choosing between BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC, consider this:

What matters most to you?

• BMI is cheaper for artists but less accessible to publishers.
• ASCAP is more accessible to publishers, but slightly older.
• SESAC is exclusive, invite-only, and unique.

As an aspiring musician, weigh your options. If cost is a concern, BMI might be the right choice. If you value accessibility, perhaps ASCAP is your best bet. For those seeking exclusivity, keep SESAC in mind.

Remember, your choice ultimately depends on your music career goals. Make an informed decision that works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC?

BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC are Performing Rights Organizations (PROs). They collect royalties for songwriters and publishers when their music is publicly performed.

How do you join BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC?

To join a PRO, visit its website and apply. Each has:

• BMI: Online signup
• ASCAP: Online signup
• SESAC: Invite only

What’s the main difference between the three?

The key differences lie in membership. BMI and ASCAP are open, but SESAC is invite-only. Fees and royalty distributions also vary.

Do I need to sign up with all of them?

No, you only need one PRO. Choose the organization that fits your needs best.

How do these groups help me make cash?

PROs collect royalties when your music is played on radio, TV, or digital platforms. They distribute these funds to you.

Can I switch from one to another if I want to?

Yes, you can switch PROs but ensure to check each organization’s membership term details.