How to Sign Up for ASCAP as a Writer/Composer: A Comprehensive Guide
In the vast and intricate world of the music industry, ensuring that artists are fairly compensated for their creations is paramount.
This is where organizations like ASCAP step in, playing a critical role in safeguarding the rights of songwriters and composers. If you've ever wondered how to tap into this network and collect music royalties for your work, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of joining ASCAP as a writer or composer, answering key questions and demystifying the intricacies of music royalties.
Here at Musos, we aim to provide the knowledge artists need to make informed decisions about their music. So, let’s get into it!
What is ASCAP?
The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, commonly known as ASCAP, stands as one of the leading performance rights organizations (PROs) in the U.S. Founded in 1914, ASCAP's mission has always been to represent songwriters, composers, and music publishers, ensuring they get the rightful earnings when their works are played publicly.
Whether your music is played on the radio, performed live at a venue, streamed online, or even played in a business establishment, ASCAP ensures you receive royalties for these performances. For songwriters and composers, joining an organization like ASCAP is a significant step in professionalizing their craft and ensuring they reap the benefits of their musical creations.
Benefits of Joining ASCAP
So, why should a songwriter or composer consider becoming a part of ASCAP?
Here's a rundown of the compelling advantages:
Music Royalties: Every time your music is played, be it on the radio, TV, or even in a café, you're entitled to royalties. ASCAP diligently tracks these performances and ensures that you get paid for them.
Advocacy: ASCAP isn't just about collecting and distributing royalties. They actively advocate for the rights of music creators, lobbying for stronger copyright protections and fighting for fair compensation.
Networking Opportunities: Being an ASCAP member gives you access to exclusive events, workshops, and conferences. These events can be invaluable for networking, learning from industry professionals, and discovering collaboration opportunities.
Resources & Tools: ASCAP provides its members with a range of tools and resources, from music licensing information to advice on improving one's craft.
In essence, joining ASCAP is about more than just royalties; it's about becoming part of a community that champions music creators and provides them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
How to Sign Up for ASCAP: A Step-by-Step Guide
Joining ASCAP as a writer is not just a pivotal step for your music career; it's a gateway to maximizing your musical earnings. While the process of becoming a writer member is straightforward, it's essential to also consider the benefits of joining as a music publisher. Here's an updated step-by-step guide to joining ASCAP as a writer and reasons to contemplate a publisher membership:
Step 1: Visit the Official ASCAP Website.
Navigate to www.ascap.com to begin your application journey.
Step 2: Consider Joining as Both a Writer and a Publisher.
Before you proceed with just the writer application, remember that a publisher controls and monetizes a musical composition's usage. They pitch these works for licensing in films, TV, and other avenues, collecting multiple revenue streams, including mechanical royalties from music sales.
Why should you become an ASCAP publisher member?
Maximize Your Revenue: ASCAP divides royalties for a musical performance, allocating 50% to the writer(s) and 50% to the publisher(s). If you self-publish your music, without a publisher membership, you might miss out on the latter half of these royalties.
Ease of Setup: Becoming an ASCAP publisher is straightforward. You need a mailing address, email address, and US tax ID number. No need for a formal business setup; choosing the “Individual/Sole Proprietor” option allows you to use your Social Security Number.
No Cost: Joining ASCAP as a writer is completely free. Moreover, if you decide to join as both a writer and publisher simultaneously, ASCAP waives the publisher application fee. However, this is a temporary policy.
Future-Proof Your Career: Regardless of how your music career evolves, having an ASCAP publishing company ensures you're ready to seize any opportunity.
Creative Naming Opportunity: Establishing a publishing company offers a chance to get creative. Since every publishing company name must be unique, it's a moment to showcase your creativity. Need ideas? ASCAP provides a list of inventive publishing company names for inspiration.
Step 3: Complete the “Writer & Publisher” Application.
Opt for the 'Writer & Publisher' role. Provide the required personal and professional details ensuring accuracy to guarantee smooth processing.
Step 4: Review and Submit Your Applications.
Before submitting, always double-check your information. Once you're confident, finalize your application. ASCAP typically processes applications within a few business days.
By embracing both roles within ASCAP, you not only ensure you're compensated for your musical creations but also put yourself in a position to exploit the full potential of your music.
Is ASCAP Free?
In today's dynamic music industry, getting value without incurring a cost is a boon for budding artists. So, to answer the burning question: Yes, for now joining ASCAP as a writer and publisher is absolutely free. This fee-waiver is a temporary policy, making it an opportune moment for creators to capitalize on. In essence, without any upfront fees, ASCAP offers a platform to earn from your music right from the get-go.
After Joining: How to Get Music Royalties Through ASCAP
Once you've successfully joined ASCAP, the next phase in your musical journey is to ensure you're reaping the full benefits and collecting all the royalties you're entitled to. Here's how:
Register Your Songs and Compositions: For ASCAP to track and pay you royalties, you need to register your musical pieces with them. Their platform provides an intuitive way to submit your songs, ensuring they're in the system and ready to generate revenue.
Monitoring Broadcasts and Public Performances: ASCAP uses advanced technology and a vast network to monitor public performances of your music, be it on the radio, in venues, or even online streams. They ensure every play counts.
Collecting and Receiving Payments: After monitoring, ASCAP calculates the royalties due and processes payments. With their transparent system, you can easily track your earnings, ensuring you get every penny you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Given the significant changes and the enticing free membership offer, many prospective ASCAP members have questions. Here are some answers to the most common questions:
How often does ASCAP pay out royalties?
ASCAP distributes royalties on a quarterly basis. The specifics of the dates and periods covered can be found on their official website.
Can non-US residents join ASCAP?
Yes, songwriters and composers from around the world can join ASCAP. It's worth noting that some countries have their own performance rights organizations, so it's essential to understand how ASCAP collaborates with these entities to ensure optimal royalty collection.
Is ASCAP the only option for collecting royalties?
While ASCAP is one of the leading PROs in the U.S., there are other organizations like BMI and SESAC. Artists should research each organization's offerings and decide which aligns best with their needs.
Is there a fee associated with ASCAP membership?
Currently, joining ASCAP as a writer is free, and the publisher application fee is waived if you join both simultaneously. However, this fee waiver is a temporary policy, so it's advisable to check the latest on their official site.
By addressing these common questions and underscoring the zero-cost of joining, ASCAP positions itself as an appealing choice for artists looking to maximize their earnings and safeguard their musical rights.
Conclusion
Navigating the music industry can be both thrilling and challenging.
As songwriters and composers, ensuring you're duly compensated for your work is paramount. ASCAP stands as a beacon for those in the industry, dedicated to representing and safeguarding the rights of its members. With the current enticing offer of free membership, there's no better time for artists to join and harness the full potential of their musical creations. By joining both as a writer and potentially as a publisher, you're not only maximizing your revenue streams but also positioning yourself for a flourishing musical career.
Interested in making the most of your music?
Don't let this opportunity slip away. Dive deeper into the world of music licensing, explore the vast offerings at Musos, and empower your musical journey. And remember, every song has a story, and every story deserves to be heard – and rightfully compensated.
References and Resources
For those looking to delve deeper and gather more information, here are some vital resources:
Joining ASCAP as a Publisher: Discover the intricacies and benefits of signing up as a publisher with ASCAP. All your questions answered here.
Musos: Dive into the world of music licensing, discover tools, resources, and opportunities tailored for budding and established artists alike. Visit Musos for more.
US Copyright Law: Familiarize yourself with the rights provided to you as a creator under US Copyright Law, ensuring you're well-equipped to protect and monetize your work.
By leveraging these resources, artists can make informed decisions, ensuring they're not just creating music but also crafting a sustainable and profitable musical career.
