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.

The MLC Tools

The MLC offers a suite of tools to help you find, register, claim, and manage your musical works (aka song) data so you can collect the digital audio mechanical royalties you've earned. Whether you're a Member or simply checking song information, these tools make it easy to Play Your Part.

View MLC Tools

Missing Member Lookup

Missing Member Lookup is a database of rightsholders that are not yet Members of The MLC who may be entitled to collect U.S. digital audio mechanical royalties. To see if The MLC may have royalties for you, enter your rightsholder information to search.

Find My Royalties

Resources

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CONNECTING WITH THE MLC IS FREE AND EASY

Whether you’re an independent songwriter, a music publisher or administrator, a collective management organization, or someone looking to better manage your song data, The MLC is for YOU! Join today to connect your songs with the streaming royalties they’ve earned.

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