
As a musician, your creative works—whether they are songs, compositions, or beats—are the heart and soul of your career. However, no matter how brilliant your music is, it won’t do much for you if it’s not properly protected prior to distributing it to the world. That’s where copyright and music registration come into play. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through why these processes are essential and how you can ensure your music is legally protected.
Why Copyright Matters
Copyright is a legal right that grants you, as the creator, exclusive ownership over your original work. When you create a song or a piece of music, you automatically own the copyright to that work from the moment it’s fixed in a tangible form (like a recording or a written score). But while ownership is automatic, there are several critical reasons to officially register your copyright:
1. Legal Protection: If someone copies or uses your music without permission, you need a registered copyright to file an infringement lawsuit and claim damages.
2. Monetary Benefits: A registered copyright gives you control over who can license your music, meaning you can earn royalties when others perform, reproduce, or distribute your work.
3. Peace of Mind: Having your work registered ensures that your rights as a creator are fully recognized and enforceable. This means you can focus on your creativity rather than worrying about the legal side of things.
Understanding Music Registration
While copyright protects your music, registering your songs with music rights organizations can help you maximize earnings and exposure. These organizations collect royalties whenever your music is played on the radio, streamed online, performed live, or used in TV shows or films. Here are the main types of music registrations you’ll need to consider:
1. Performing Rights Organizations (PROs): Organizations like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC collect and distribute performance royalties when your music is played publicly.
2. Mechanical Royalties Registration: If your music is streamed or sold digitally (through platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, etc.), you’ll need to register to collect mechanical royalties. In the U.S., this is often done through organizations like The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC).
3. Sound Recording Registration: If you are both the composer and the performer of your music, registering your sound recordings is key for collecting royalties from platforms that use your recordings (like YouTube or Pandora).
What is SoundExchange?
In addition to copyright and other music registrations, it’s crucial for artists to understand SoundExchange, which plays a unique role in collecting and distributing royalties. While PROs like ASCAP or BMI focus on performance royalties for songwriters and publishers, SoundExchange specifically collects digital performance royalties for artists and sound recording copyright owners.
When your music is played on digital radio services like Pandora, SiriusXM, or internet radio, SoundExchange ensures that the appropriate royalties are collected and paid to the artist, session musicians, and the record label.
Why You Need SoundExchange:
1. Maximizing Digital Royalties: If you own the rights to your sound recordings, you must register with SoundExchange to receive the royalties you’re entitled to whenever your music is streamed on non-interactive digital platforms (services where listeners can’t choose what plays next, like digital radio).
2. Both Artist and Rights Holder Royalties: SoundExchange splits royalties between the recording artist (45%), the rights holder (50%), and session musicians (5%). So, if you’re the creator and the performer, it’s a critical way to ensure you’re compensated for your work.
3. No Cost to Join: Registration with SoundExchange is free, making it an essential step for any musician or rights holder looking to maximize their revenue from digital airplay.
By incorporating SoundExchange into your overall copyright and music registration strategy, you ensure that no revenue streams are missed. If you’re unsure where to start with SoundExchange registration or other aspects of royalty collection, that’s where our one-on-one support comes in. With a BORN GENIUS membership, we’ll guide you step by step through the process, making sure every aspect of your music’s legal and financial protection is covered.
How to Register Your Music for Copyright
Copyright registration can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Here’s a simple walkthrough:
1. Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Before starting, make sure you have all the information about your work ready, including the title of your song, the names of the songwriters or composers, and any collaborators. You’ll also need a copy of your work, which can be an audio file, a sheet music file, or another tangible format.
2. Step 2: Visit the U.S. Copyright Office Website
If you’re in the U.S., head to the U.S. Copyright Office’s website and create an account if you don’t have one. Other countries have their own copyright registration bodies, so make sure to check what applies in your location.
3. Step 3: Fill Out the Registration Form
You’ll be asked to complete a form with details about your work, including the year it was created, the names of the authors, and the type of work you are registering (musical composition or sound recording).
4. Step 4: Upload Your Work
After filling out the form, you’ll be prompted to upload a digital copy of your music. Make sure the file is in an acceptable format as per the website’s guidelines.
5. Step 5: Pay the Fee
There’s a nominal fee to register your copyright (usually around $35-$55 depending on the work). This is a small investment compared to the protection and peace of mind you’ll gain from having your work officially registered. (Tip: You could register a full album for this price.)
6. Step 6: Wait for Approval
Once you’ve submitted your work, the Copyright Office will review it. The process can take several months, but once approved, you’ll receive a certificate of registration, confirming your ownership of the work.
How We Can Help
We understand that navigating copyright law and music registration can be intimidating, especially for new artists. With a BORN GENIUS membership, you don’t have to do it alone! Our team offers one-on-one support to help you through every step of the process. Whether it’s filing your copyright, registering your music with PROs, or maximizing your royalties, we’ll guide you and make sure your music is protected and earning for you.
Conclusion
Copyright and music registration aren’t just formalities; they are essential steps to ensure that your creative work is safeguarded and profitable. By taking these steps, you protect your art and your livelihood. Don’t leave your career to chance—get the legal protection your music deserves. And remember, we’re here to help you every step of the way! Sign up for a membership today, and let’s secure your musical legacy together.
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