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5 Things You Need to
Organize Your Song Data

Accurate metadata is crucial to getting paid the

royalties you are due. When you’re sitting down to write, it’s essential to capture the right information to ensure all contributing parties are credited and can be paid.

Our friends at Credits Due are working to increase public knowledge of music rights through education and support in order to enable music creators to be credited fairly for the music they share with the world. They highlight the five data elements that should be attached to every work, from the moment you start writing:

  1. Creator identifiers and role codes (IPI, IPN & ISNI)
  2. Musical work identifier (ISWC)
  3. Recorder identifier (ISRC)
  4. Song title and alternative song titles
  5. Writer, performer, producer and contributor names.

Jot these down for each of your songs and check The MLC Portal to make sure your data is accurate today!

You can learn more about Credits Due and their mission to bring the music industry together to ensure that complete and accurate song metadata is attached to all recordings at the point of creation at creditsdue.org.

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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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News & Press Releases

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Press Release

The United States Register of Copyrights Continues the Designation of The MLC as the Statutory Mechanical Licensing Collective Following First Periodic Review

June 3, 2026
Press Release

The MLC Launches Music Registration 101 Micro-Course Covering Copyright, Music Registration, and Royalties

May 4, 2026
Press Release

The MLC Seeking Suggestions for Songwriter Candidates for Board of Directors and Advisory Committees

April 23, 2026
Press Release

The MLC Seeking Suggestions for Board of Directors and Advisory Committee Candidates

April 2, 2026
Press Release

The MLC Announces Advisory Committee Updates

January 29, 2026
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