Do I need to be affiliated with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO)?

Many up and coming artist’s are unaware of what a PRO is. PRO companies such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC are important companies that every artist should be aware of. So what are these acronyms? These are the acronyms that allow you to get paid when people use your music. They do this by collecting performance royalties on your behalf.

Let me break it down in detail for you. As stated by Chris Robley, any time your music is placed on television, radio, commercials, or played in venues you are to receive a “performance royalty.” These royalties are paid through companies such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Every artist should register with one of these PRO’s to ensure that they are getting their performance royalties.

Not only do you need a PRO, but you also need a publishing company as well to receive your mechanical royalties. I will discuss the publishing side of obtaining monies for placements in future posts. The most important part is obtaining a PRO first so that you are not missing your money.  

As stated in an article on TuneCore; they believe that having a PRO is very important and highly recommended. They call them the “watchdogs of the airways.” TuneCore advises the artist to work with the PRO as well as with TuneCore to help obtain all of the royalties that are due to the artist. You do not have to worry about them taking advantage of you because they work directly with the PRO companies to ensure that you are receiving both your performing and mechanical royalties.

To summarize it, every artist should research each PRO Company and determine which one suits them better. Each PRO pays differently and has different benefits that cater to their artists. My artists work with BMI and ASCAP. I have found that BMI pays 200% whereas ASCAP pays 100%.  I recommend that every up and coming artist conduct their own research on each company and decide which one caters to you and your abilities.