ASCAP and BMI: What Songwriters Need to Know to Join
Tue, 01/24/2012 - 9:40am — HannahFASCAP
ASCAP is for songwriters, composers and music publishers. It's actually owned and run my its members. According to its website, it's the leading Performing Rights Organization in the nation.
Number of Members: Over 425,000
Cost: Join for a one-time $35 fee
Benefits: You will be paid when your music is played.
How to join: Online at www.ascap.com
BMI
BMI got its start int he early 1990's, being the first performing rights organization at the time to provide representation to folk, blues, country, jazz, R&B and gospel among other genres.
According to BMI's website...."BMI’s history coincides with one of the most vibrant, evolving and challenging periods in music history. As popular music has moved from big-band to rock & roll and hip-hop, and formats have evolved from 78 and 33 1/3-rpm vinyl records to compact discs, MP3s and beyond, BMI has worked on behalf of its members to maintain a leadership position not only in the United States, but worldwide.
Underlying everything BMI does is its philosophy: an open-door policy that welcomes songwriters, composers and music publishers of all disciplines, and helps them develop both the creative and business skills crucial to a career in music.
Number of Members: Over 500,000
Cost: FREE
Benefit: BMI collects license fees on behalf of songwriters, composers and music publishers and distributes them as royalties to those members whose works have been performed.
How to join: Online at www.bmi.com
Chicago Acoustic Underground supports original musicians, and both of these organizations are a great first step for the singer-songwriter.
