created and controlled by composers, writers, and music publishers—its Board of
Directors is elected by its members. “A music creator is like a small business,” reads
ASCAP’s website, “and we exist to ensure that ASCAP members are paid promptly
and fairly when their compositions are performed publicly.”
Notable affiliates: Justin Timberlake, Vampire Weekend, Duke Ellington, Dave
Matthews, George Gershwin, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Marc Anthony, Henry Mancini
Fee: One-time fee of $50 as a writer (free when you sign up through Songtrust) and
$50 as a publisher.
Publishing Companies: In order to collect your publisher’s share of royalties as an
ASCAP member, you need to have an ASCAP publishing company (Becoming a
Songtrust member will also allow you to collect your publisher’s share).
Pay Schedule: Click here for ASCAP’s writer and publisher pay schedules.
BMI, Broadcast Music, Inc.
Launched: 1939
Official site: BMI.com
Twitter: @BMI
Location: Nashville, New York, Los Angeles, London, Atlanta, Miami, Puerto Rico
Vitals: Founded by radio executives as a non-profit, BMI now boasts more than
650,000 members. According to its website, “BMI is the bridge between songwriters
and the businesses and organizations that play their music publicly…BMI serves as an
advocate for the value of music, representing 8.5 million musical works created and
owned by more than 650,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers.”
Notable affiliates: Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Eminem, Rihanna, Maroon
5, Sam Cooke, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton
Fee: Free for songwriters, $150 as a publisher
Publishing Companies: You do not need a publishing company to collect your
publisher’s share of royalties at BMI.
Pay Schedule: BMI pays royalties quarterly. Click here for more info.