Are You a Self-Administered Songwriter?

Four Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Are you signed to a music publishing deal?

If you are signed to a music publishing deal, then you are probably NOT a self-administered songwriter. Your publisher will work with The MLC on your behalf. If you have further questions, we encourage you to contact your music publisher.

2. Are you working with a publishing rights administrator?

If you currently work with an administrator, and that administrator registers your musical works and collects digital audio mechanicals on your behalf, then you are probably NOT a self-administered songwriter. Your administrator will work with The MLC on your behalf. If you have further questions, we encourage you to contact your rights administrator.

3. Are you based outside the United States and a member of a collective management organization (CMO) that represents your rights in the United States?

If you are based outside the United States, and you are a member of a CMO, there is a good chance your CMO will be working with The MLC to represent your interests and collect digital audio mechanical royalties from The MLC on your behalf. In that instance you are NOT a self-administered songwriter. If you have further questions, we encourage you to contact your CMO.

4. Have you retained your rights to register your own musical works?

And do you collect digital audio mechanical royalties for those works either directly or through a business manager, accountant, lawyer or other representative/agent? If you answered both of these questions with “yes,” then you probably ARE a self-administered songwriter and you will need to become a “Member” of The MLC.

Still Not Sure if You’re a Self-Administered Songwriter?

The MLC is here to help! Please contact us directly here. We’ll do our best to help you determine your status.