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SoundExchange guide

How to Check SoundExchange Unclaimed Royalties

If your master recordings play on non-interactive digital radio, money may be due separately from your distributor and songwriting royalties.

What SoundExchange pays

SoundExchange collects U.S. digital performance royalties from services such as non-interactive internet radio and satellite radio. It pays featured artists and owners of sound recordings.

  • Featured artist share
  • Sound recording copyright owner share
  • Separate allocations for non-featured performers

Why money can remain unclaimed

Payments can be delayed when an artist has not registered, a recording has not been claimed, or ownership information is incomplete.

  • Create an account under the correct role
  • Search and claim each recording
  • Confirm the master owner
  • Keep tax and payment information current

It is not the same as The MLC

The MLC focuses on digital mechanical royalties for songs. SoundExchange focuses on certain digital performance royalties for recordings. Many independent artists need both.

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