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.

SESAC Talks Money & Radio Music Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Antonio Richardson, Conference Organizer
(229) 255-4016
Jamey Perez, Public Relations
(404) 247-3874
contactgaent@gmail.com

SESAC’s Cappriccieo M. Scates talks Money to Songwriters & Music Producers at Radio Music Conference

Performing rights organization will provide participants with real ways to make money in the music business.

March 13, 2008 (Albany, Ga) The worlds of business and the music industry have long collided, and have proven to be both a viable and lucrative mix. On Saturday, March 22, 2008 the Southwest Georgia Radio and Music Conference, which is being held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Albany, Georgia, will bring an impressive roster of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and recording industry executives together to network, educate and inspire participants. Cappreccio Scates of SESAC Atlanta is just one of the confirmed speakers, and his vast knowledge of the business of music, songwriting and publishing rights is worth its weight in platinum.

Professional people seeking tried and true information on launching and growing a successful enterprise in either the traditional landscape or via the internet will not only receive insight from these dynamic speakers, but will have the rare opportunity to meet and talk with them face to face. Additionally, workshops and hands-on training will be available for those looking to take their web presence to new heights.

SESAC, a performing rights organization (PRO), will be represented by Cappreccio Scates, Associate Director for the Atlanta branch. The organization represents songwriters and publishers and their right to be compensated for having their music performed publicly. SESAC was the very first PRO to use a highly sophisticated digital tracking device called BDS (Broadcast Data Systems) to keep track of artists’ songs. The organization collects royalties in every facet of public performance. Cappreccio Scates and the SESAC Atlanta team are an important aspect to the conference because they represent the songwriter and publisher—a vital component to the success of an entertainment professional.

“I’m thrilled to be participating in the conference and look forward to meeting all of the amazing speakers. This is the first event I’m attending where I can learn how to start my own business, make money online, and get the inside track on being successful in the entertainment business—all in one day!”, exclaims Misha Ellzy when asked about her thoughts on the conference.

The Southwest Georgia Radio and Music Conference is setting a new standard for the way entertainment industry events are conducted. With the emergence of new media, the growing free enterprise landscape, and the changing face of corporate-managed entertainment companies, this groundbreaking conference is cultivating a new crop of entrepreneurs and professionals aspiring to carve their own path in business. For more information or to register, please visit www.radiomusicconference.com.

About the Southwest Georgia Radio and Music Conference:

The Southwest Georgia Radio and Music Conference is a one-day/one-night music conference and seminar with prominent music industry and business professionals. This music conference is anticipating a variety of tourists and fans to flood the streets of Downtown Albany, Georgia for this HISTORY making Radio Music Conference and How to Make Money Online Seminar!

The Radio Music Conference is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2008 in Albany, GA at the Hilton Garden Inn, 101 S. Front Street, Albany, GA 31701. The Southwest Georgia Radio Music Conference will feature the groundbreaking workshop How to Make Money Online by JaWar, Motivational Speaker/Author/Consultant. JaWar has built and maintains over 40+ websites, blogs, web pages, ebooks, special reports and audio books.

For additional details on registering, sponsorship and performance opportunities for the Southwest Georgia Radio & Music Conference call 404-543-0675 or 229-255-4016.

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