Are you a DistroKid user looking to make sure you’re properly receiving royalties for your music? While DistroKid is a great platform for independent artists to distribute their music, it’s still important to pay attention to other aspects of music publishing, such as Performance Rights Organizations like BMI. In this article, we’ll discuss why DistroKid users should still pay attention to BMI and how it can benefit them in the long run.
What is BMI?
BMI, or Broadcast Music, Inc., is one of the leading Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) in the United States. PROs are responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to songwriters, composers, and music publishers when their music is performed publicly. This can include radio airplay, live performances, streaming services, and more. BMI works to ensure that music creators are fairly compensated for the use of their work.
As a DistroKid user, you may think that all your royalties are taken care of through the platform’s distribution services. While DistroKid does collect royalties from digital music stores and streaming platforms, they do not collect performance royalties on your behalf. This is where BMI comes in.
Why Should DistroKid Users Pay Attention to BMI?
While DistroKid handles the distribution of your music to various platforms, they do not handle the collection of performance royalties. This means that if your music is being played on the radio, in a live performance, or on streaming services like Pandora or SiriusXM, you may be missing out on royalties that BMI could collect on your behalf.
By joining BMI as a songwriter or composer, you can ensure that you are being properly compensated for the public performance of your music. BMI has relationships with thousands of venues, radio stations, and streaming services worldwide, making it easier for you to collect royalties from various sources. Additionally, BMI offers educational resources and networking opportunities for music creators, helping you advance your career in the industry.
How Does BMI Benefit DistroKid Users?
By registering with BMI, DistroKid users can tap into a larger network of music industry professionals and opportunities. BMI provides access to workshops, seminars, and networking events that can help you grow your career as a musician. Additionally, BMI offers support for emerging artists, including grants and scholarships to further your education and development in the industry.
Furthermore, BMI has a team of dedicated music licensing professionals who work to ensure that your music is being properly licensed and monetized. This can help you reach a wider audience and generate more income from your music. By partnering with BMI, DistroKid users can take advantage of these benefits and maximize their earning potential as music creators.
Conclusion
While DistroKid is a valuable tool for independent artists to distribute their music, it’s essential to pay attention to other aspects of music publishing, such as performance royalties collected by organizations like BMI. By registering with BMI, DistroKid users can ensure that they are properly compensated for the public performance of their music and gain access to a wide range of resources and opportunities in the music industry.
FAQs
1. Can DistroKid collect performance royalties on my behalf?
No, DistroKid does not collect performance royalties on behalf of its users. It is essential to register with a Performance Rights Organization like BMI to ensure that you are properly compensated for the public performance of your music.
2. How do I register with BMI as a songwriter or composer?
You can register with BMI as a songwriter or composer by visiting their website and following the registration process. You will need to provide information about yourself and your music to complete the registration.
3. What are the benefits of joining BMI as a DistroKid user?
Joining BMI as a DistroKid user can provide you with access to a larger network of music industry professionals, educational resources, and opportunities to advance your career as a musician. BMI also offers support for emerging artists, including grants and scholarships to further your education and development in the industry.
4. How does BMI help me collect royalties from my music?
BMI has relationships with thousands of venues, radio stations, and streaming services worldwide, making it easier for you to collect royalties from various sources. BMI also has a team of music licensing professionals who work to ensure that your music is properly licensed and monetized, helping you generate more income from your music.
5. Is it necessary to join BMI as a DistroKid user?
While joining BMI is not mandatory for DistroKid users, it is highly recommended to ensure that you are properly compensated for the public performance of your music. BMI can help you reach a wider audience, maximize your earning potential, and provide valuable resources and opportunities in the music industry.
