The MLC
The MLC administers blanket mechanical licenses for eligible U.S. interactive streaming and download uses. Songwriters and publishers use it to register works and connect recordings.
SoundExchange
SoundExchange collects certain U.S. digital performance royalties for sound recordings. It pays featured artists and sound recording owners.
ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC
These performing rights organizations license and pay public-performance royalties for songwriters and publishers. A songwriter generally affiliates with one U.S. PRO at a time.
- Songwriter: check The MLC and your PRO
- Featured artist: check SoundExchange
- Master owner: check distributor statements and SoundExchange
- Self-released artist doing all three roles: check every lane
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