Did You Know? If you performed on and or own the masters of a sound recording, you can collect royalties from anyone who streams that track digitally.(source)
If you are a singer/songwriter or vocalist, this could mean a check is out there waiting, with your name on it!
Over the summer, I attended the 5th Annual International Soul Music Summit (Founded by Terry Bello) where I learned about the millions of dollars in revenue that recording artists throughout the country are not receiving for their digital airplay.
Digging deeper I discovered a roaring debate about a piece of legislation called the Performance Rights Act. The implementation of this bill into law could drastically change the way recording artists are compensated for their creative contributions...for the better.
A little about SoundExchange....
SoundExchange is the first organization formed in the United States to collect performance royalties for sound recording copyright owners (SRCOs), featured and non-featured artists. SoundExchange is an independent nonprofit performance rights organization that currently represents over 3,500 record companies, their 6000 labels and thousands of artists united in receiving a fair price for the licensing of their music in a new digital world. Our members include small, medium and large independent record companies, as well as the major label groups and artist-owned labels. (Source)
The 5 Reasons Why Every Artist Should Register With SoundExchange
1. Claim the money you earned! You recorded the song, now get paid for it!
Regardless of your private agreements, when you are the master owner of a recording you are entitled to 50% of the royalties, period. (source)
2. No matter how big or small, the money is yours!
So you may not be pulling in millions of dollars in royalties yet, but don't let that stop you from claiming the $50 $500 or $5000 that you may have generated from your music.
3. Registration is 1-2-3 EASY!
With a plethora of fact sheets and FAQ's on their website; it only takes a few minutes to fill out the form and start collecting your cash. There is even a phone number to call if you have additional questions!
4. There is strength in numbers and together we can make a difference.
When you join SoundExchange you join an informed network of over 3000 companies and labels supporting legislation to gain performance rights for artists.
5. And the best part, it's FREE!
SoundExchange is an independent, nonprofit performance rights organization and does not charge its members a fee to join or to collect the royalties they deserve.
Did You Know? In 2009 alone, SoundExchange notified more than 15,000 artists, owed more than $9 million in all. (source)
In conclusion...
If you think there’s even a slight chance that you are owed money, it is imperative that you register at SoundExchange.com.
Lady Gaga just joined and so can you! Claim you money today! It's easy and free!
