Navigating the music industry can sometimes feel like decoding a secret language, and one set of acronyms that keeps popping up is PROs , performing rights organizations. If you write songs, understanding PROs like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC is essential because they handle a crucial part of your income: royalties. Over the years, I’ve learned how important it is to work with the right PRO to collect what I’ve earned from my music. Here’s a deep dive into what these organizations do, how they differ, and how to choose the best fit for your songwriting career.
What Exactly Are PROs?
PROs, or performing rights organizations, are the entities that collect and distribute performance royalties to songwriters, composers, and publishers. Every time your song is played publicly, whether on the radio, TV, streaming services, live venues, or even background music in stores, someone has to pay a licensing fee. PROs handle the tracking, collection, and distribution of those fees back to the rightful owners.
Without a PRO, many songwriters would never receive payment for how often their songs are broadcast or performed. This is why joining a PRO is one of the most important steps for anyone serious about making money from their music.
The Big Three PROs: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC
In the U.S., the three main PROs are ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Each has its own history, membership process, and unique traits that can influence your experience as a songwriter.
ASCAP: The Pioneer
The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) is the oldest PRO in the U.S., founded way back in 1914. It operates as a nonprofit membership association and is known for its large roster, including both emerging songwriters and established industry giants.
What I appreciate about ASCAP is its transparency and relatively straightforward membership process. Songwriters can join by applying online and paying a nominal fee. Once you’re in, ASCAP offers access to a huge network of music users and fairly frequent royalty payments.
They have a reputation for strong advocacy on behalf of songwriters, which is important in an industry where digital platforms and changing technologies constantly reshape how royalties are earned and collected.
BMI: The Broadcaster-Friendly PRO
Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) was founded in 1939 as a competitor to ASCAP. BMI operates as a nonprofit as well, and it prides itself on being highly inclusive. It’s particularly known for its diverse roster spanning genres like country, hip-hop, pop, rock, and more.
From my experience and what I’ve seen from peers, BMI has a welcoming and accessible sign-up process. There’s no fee to join, which can be a plus for songwriters just starting out.
BMI is also known for hosting events, workshops, and showcases that help songwriters connect and grow their careers. Their reporting and royalty distribution are reliable, and many songwriters find BMI’s resources valuable.
SESAC: The Exclusive PRO
The Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC) is the smallest of the three major PROs and operates on an invitation-only membership basis. This exclusivity means that SESAC handpicks its members, which can make the process more competitive but also offers certain advantages.
SESAC is a for-profit organization, unlike ASCAP and BMI, which are nonprofits. This can lead to faster payments and more personalized service. SESAC also tends to be more selective in the genres and songwriters it represents, focusing heavily on quality over quantity.
What stood out to me about SESAC is its proactive approach to royalty collection and its strong network with broadcasters and venues. Their technology and data tracking are often cited as more advanced, helping ensure songwriters receive accurate payments.
How They Differ: Membership, Fees, and Payments
Each PRO has its own nuances, so it helps to understand how they compare:
- Membership Requirements: ASCAP and BMI are open to all songwriters who want to join (though ASCAP charges a small fee and BMI does not). SESAC requires an invitation, so you can’t simply apply yourself.
- Fees: ASCAP charges a one-time $50 registration fee for songwriters. BMI doesn’t charge any upfront fees, which makes it attractive to beginners. SESAC doesn’t disclose fees publicly since membership is by invitation.
- Payment Schedules: ASCAP and BMI typically pay royalties quarterly. SESAC is known for more frequent and faster payments, which is a big plus if you want steady cash flow.
- Repertoire Size: ASCAP and BMI have millions of songs in their catalog, reflecting their vast and diverse memberships. SESAC, being smaller and selective, manages a more curated list.
Why It Matters Which PRO You Choose
The PRO you join will be the main channel for collecting your performance royalties. Different organizations might have varying success in tracking certain types of performances or genres.
Some songwriters join one PRO and stick with it for their whole careers, while others register different compositions with different PROs to diversify their royalty sources.
The quality of customer service, speed of payments, and additional opportunities (like showcases or workshops) can also impact your career growth beyond just royalty collection.
Registering Your Songs and What to Expect
After joining a PRO, registering your songs correctly is crucial. This means submitting accurate information about the writers, publishers (if applicable), and splits for each composition.
I make sure to double-check every detail to avoid delays in royalty payments. It’s also smart to update registrations if splits change due to co-writes or publishing deals.
Most PROs offer online portals where you can manage your catalog, view statements, and track payments. Familiarizing yourself with these tools helps you stay on top of your earnings.
How PROs Track and Collect Royalties
It’s fascinating how PROs track performances worldwide. They use a combination of broadcast monitoring technology, reporting from venues, digital fingerprinting, and data from streaming platforms.
For example, when your song plays on the radio or a TV show, the PRO collects licensing fees from those broadcasters. Similarly, venues that play music publicly pay blanket licenses, and PROs distribute those fees based on performance data.
Even with the best technology, some performances can be missed, which is why keeping your registrations accurate and updated is vital.
Should You Switch PROs?
Switching PROs is possible but usually involves some paperwork and timing considerations. I’ve heard from songwriters who moved from ASCAP or BMI to SESAC seeking faster payments or more personalized service.
Before switching, weigh the pros and cons, and consider how active your music is. If you have a strong catalog and steady income with one PRO, switching might not be necessary. But if you want to explore SESAC’s invitation-only benefits or have specific career goals, it could be worth pursuing.
Can You Be a Member of More Than One PRO?
In the U.S., songwriters can only affiliate with one PRO at a time for performance royalties. However, publishers can affiliate with different PROs, which sometimes leads to different splits being collected by different organizations.
If you have multiple publishing deals or co-writers registered with different PROs, your royalties will be split accordingly.
Understanding these affiliations is important to make sure you’re registered properly and maximizing your royalty income.
Final Thoughts on ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC
Navigating PROs might seem complicated at first, but joining the right one is one of the most critical steps in building a professional songwriting career.
I’ve found that ASCAP and BMI offer solid, accessible options for most songwriters, with plenty of resources and reliable royalty payments. SESAC’s exclusivity and personalized approach make it attractive if you can get invited.
The key is to register accurately, understand how royalties work, and stay engaged with your PRO to ensure you receive what you’ve earned.
In the end, your PRO is your partner in monetizing your songs, so take the time to learn about them and choose the one that fits your career best.
