Frequently Asked Questions
We're Here to Help
The MLC has developed frequently asked questions designed to help self-administered songwriters and music publishers learn more about our organization, our work to achieve The MLC's mission, and the tools available to help prepare for The MLC Portal. Click the links below to learn more.
The MLC
You’ve probably heard a lot about The Mechanical Licensing Collective (or The MLC) but what exactly does it do and how will it ultimately change the music industry? The following questions give an overview of the trailblazing organization.
Connect to Collect
Anyone who wishes to receive digital audio mechanical royalties from The MLC will need to become a "Member" of The MLC. Becoming a "Member" of The MLC is how you will Connect to Collect these royalties. The following questions discuss who exactly needs to Connect to Collect on your behalf and how the process works.
Music Industry Terminology
Like every industry, the music industry often uses its own jargon and terminology. In this section we’ve defined some of the most frequently-used terms that are important to understand as you begin the process of becoming a "Member" of The MLC.
Play Your Part
The MLC has created two initiatives designed to help both music publishers and self-administered songwriters, composers, lyricists and administrators organize and prepare their musical works data ahead of registering them in The MLC Portal. This is the first step in the process of becoming a "Member" of The MLC and how you can Play Your Part to assist The MLC in fulfilling its mission of paying you the royalties you’re owed accurately and expediently.
Royalty Payments
Starting in April 2021, The MLC will distribute digital audio mechanical royalties to eligible self-administered songwriters, composers, lyricists, music publishers, administrators and CMOs on a monthly basis. In this section, we cover how The MLC’s overall royalty distribution process works and specifically address the timing and cadence of payments, the royalty rates and terms used by The MLC, the payment options available to MLC Members and more.