Sunday, October 12, 2008

What is ASCAP and how to join.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Producers (ASCAP) is member owned organization protecting the rights and hence the revenues of people who create and present music. I like the fact that ASCAP is one of the performing rights organization in the U.S. created and controlled by composers, lyricists, songwriters and music publishers.

To join them, they charge one time membership processing fee of $25.00 and they somehow collect royalties from various venues, and send you a check every so often. You do have to have some evidence of having created some music before you pay the due and join. I would personally cut some tracks and sell them through some only sales media like CD Baby or such.

You are probably familiar with Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) as well, which is another organization who can represent your performing rights.

Both organizations clearly state that you (as an individual) can only be reprsented by one of these organizations. However, it seems to be interpreted that if you are a group or a band each member can join either the BMI or ASCAP so tha both ends are covered.

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