🎼 Claim Your Rights: Setting Up Your BMI or ASCAP Account

If you’re making music and you haven’t registered with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like BMI or ASCAP, you’re leaving money—and control—on the table.

I’ve seen too many artists pour their heart into a track, release it, and then watch it float around the internet with no system in place to track or collect the royalties they’re owed. That’s not just bad business—it’s giving away your rights for free.

💡 Why This Matters

Every time your music is played—on the radio, in a club, on TV, in a restaurant, or streamed online—you’re owed performance royalties.If you’re not registered with a PRO, those royalties don’t magically find you. They vanish into the system, unclaimed.

ASCAP / BMI

BMI and ASCAP exist to make sure you get paid for your work. They track performances, collect the money, and send it your way. But they can only do that if you’ve taken the time to set up your account and register your songs.

🥊 BMI vs. ASCAP — Which One Should You Choose?

Both are reputable, both will protect your rights, and both pay out royalties. The main differences come down to fees, payout schedules, and personal preference.

Feature	BMI	ASCAP
Cost to Join (Songwriters)	Free	$50 one-time fee
Cost to Join (Publishers)	$150 one-time fee	$50 one-time fee
Payouts	Quarterly	Quarterly
Reputation	Largest PRO in the U.S.	Oldest Pro in the U.S.

Truth is, you can’t go wrong with either. Pick one, commit, and make sure every song you release is registered.

🛠️ How to Set Up Your Account

1. Choose Your PRO

Decide between BMI or ASCAP based on your needs and budget.

2. Sign Up as a Songwriter

Go to their official website and fill out the application. You’ll need your legal name, contact info, and tax details.

3. Consider a Publisher Account

If you want to collect the publisher’s share of royalties (and you should), set up a publisher account too. This can be under your own name or a business entity.

4. Register Your Songs

Once your account is active, log in and register each track. Include all co-writers, splits, and accurate metadata.

5. Keep It Updated

Anytime you release new music, perform live, or get radio play, make sure your PRO knows about it.

🚫 Common Mistakes Artists Make

• Waiting too long: Register before your music starts getting plays.

• Not registering live performances: Yes, you can get paid for gigs—if you report them.

• Skipping the publisher account: That’s half your royalties gone.

🎯 Final Word

Owning your music isn’t just about having the masters—it’s about making sure every performance, every stream, every spin is tracked and paid.Setting up your BMI or ASCAP account is one of the first real business moves you should make as an artist.

Don’t wait until you “make it” to get serious about your rights. Protect your work now, and you’ll thank yourself later.

💬 Your Turn

Have you set up your PRO account yet? Drop a comment and let me know which one you chose and why. If you’re stuck, I’ll walk you through it.