Music Business - ASCAP, BMI or SESAC

Although ASCAP and BMI have an open enrollment meaning you may join at any time, given you are not currently a member of any one of the organizations, you may join whenever you like -this is for writer membership.

SESAC is a bit different than ASCAP and BMI when it comes to becoming a member. They are exclusive meaning that you have to be tapped/selected before being accepted into their organization.

When becoming a publisher member you will select a company name and it will be checked through each of the organizations to ensure no one else is currently using the name. Once they have cleared your name you'll have an account set up. There may be a small annual membership fee to be a publisher. It may be something like $50 or $100 per pro. However, double check with each organization to be sure as I'm not 100% on this one.

Remember to handle your other business such as business checking accounts and things. For full details you'll want to download either the Atlanta or Los Angeles Music Industry Connection Books. Now that's Industry Pimping.

Music Business - Exclusive vs Non-Exclusive

How should you approach exclusive vs non-exclusive deals in the music business as a recording artists, music producer, composer or songwriter?


Assuming you are seeking radio airplay in the U.S. every songwriter and music producer/composer should register themselves as a member with one of the three pro's in the U.S. -ASCAP, BMI or SESAC. Additionally, every songwriter and music producer/composer should register as a music publisher with at least one of the three pro's in the U.S. While you may only be a writer member of one of the three pro's at a time you may be a publisher member of all three simultaneously.

If the artist didn't write their own lyrics, traditionally they wouldn't be due any performing rights royalties from radio airplay from ASCAP, BMI or SESAC. I say traditionally because there may be some super star recording artist that may negotiate receiving performing rights royalties from radio airplay from ASCAP, BMI or SESAC of the song they recorded. While this is probably rare it's possible given that a new music producer or songwriter is seeking to get a placement and have that placement adequately marketed and promoted as a single by the record (new media) label.

If the recording artist writes the lyrics they are performing they would receive the writers share of the performance royalties from radio airplay from ASCAP, BMI or SESAC.

It may be extremely difficult to get anyone who knows about the music business and music publishing who intends on investing significant marketing monies for radio promotions to buy a beat non-exclusively. Anyone who agrees to such an arrangement may be naive to the music business and will ultimately turn in to a headache down the line when they get the skinny. It is typically better to deal with people who know about the business, so that everyone is one the level, as this helps to ensure all parties remains happy when the money starts coming. When selling a track non-exclusively this would be leasing a beat or track and the terms of the agreement are to be decided by the parties involved.


Always have written music business contracts.