Hey hey! Hope your week has been splendid! I know mine has! I just wanted to take the time to talk to you a little more about this whole legitimization of your current music project.
Last week, we were talking about song jackers. I was telling you all about how much it Sucks to get your music stolen by big artists.
(Side note: if this has happened to you before, I want to know about it! I mean, it’s mucho importante that people take this seriously! It happens way more than you think! Shoot me an email with your story to get featured in this series. Email TheOneTrueAngel@gmail.com)
I was telling you about why you need to follow the step by step process to securing ownership of your music ( just because you made the beat or wrote the song, doesn’t make it yours) before putting money into a video, hours meeting with radio execs, showcases, or even promo. Me personally, I’d love nothing more than to welcome you to my roster of promotional clients but seriously, it just don’t make sense if you ain’t got ya ish together. So, keep your money and put it towards getting your music registered.
Last week, I was telling you about the four Performing Rights Societies (Well, technically three) to choose from. Ooooo oooooo ooooo! Not all at once, but does anyone know why there are four Performing Rights Societies, but only three to choose from? Don’t remember? Well, you should go back and study (Last Week’s Article).
Any who, as promised, here’s a little more information about one of the most common selections, BMI. By BMI, I’m definitely NOT referring to Body Mass Index (although if you’re an artist, you should get that under control too).
BMI stands for Broadcast Music Inc., and it houses over 700,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers. BMI was founded in 1939 and is a Not-For-Profit company that began in New York City. The purpose of BMI and other performing rights societies is to collect license fees on its members’ behalf. In 2015, the company collected over $1.013 billion in licensing fees and distributed $877 million in royalties. That’s a lot of money!
This particular organization is so popular because there are no start up fees or entry restrictions. It’s free for all of you artists to get your music registered. Many different artists are members to this society, such as: Lil Wayne, Demi Lovato, Mariah Carey, Eminem, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Birdman, Taylor Swift, and more. BMI is home to composers such as Harry Gregson-Williams, Mr. Hanky, and Danny Elfman, in fact, even the late Michael Jackson and his entire music catalog is represented by BMI. BMI is the largest music rights organization in the US, and the first to admit Jazz into their repertoire of genres.
BMI also maintains a healthy team of leaders who specialize in technology, copyright law, licensing, and more.
Checks on Deck.
Each time your music is spun on legit radio stations, XM stations, in movies, ringtones, ringbacks, podcasts, television networks, nightclubs, hotels, bars, digital jukeboxes, concert bands, and live concerts, it is BMI’s job to get you paid. Sooooo, why aren’t you registered again? That just doesn’t make sense.
There are seven physical BMI offices around the world. They are in Nashville, TN, New York City, NY, Los Angeles, CA, London, UK, Miami, FL, Santurce, PR, and of course, Atlanta, GA. Pull up! Get your business together! I’m looking forward to talking to the VP of Writer/Publisher Relations, Ms. Catherine Brewton about the ins and out of BMI registration and her overall experience as a power player with the company. Stay tuned for that one! Hopefully it’s coming soon!
I’m also geeked about talking to people who ARE members of BMI and finding out the skinny on what they personally think about this company. Email me at TheOneTrueAngel@Gmail.com if you’re an artist or producer with some opinions to share with the public regarding your experience with BMI. We’re going to investigate!
Until next week, friends! Stay Legit! <3
Truly,
Great info!!!! Love the humor 🙂