Self-Administered Songwriters

Songwriters, composers, and lyricists are considered self-administered if they have retained the right to register their own musical works with The MLC and collect their own mechanical royalties directly or through a business manager, accountant, lawyer, or other representative/agent.

If you have assigned your rights to register your musical works and collect your mechanical royalties in the United States to a music publisher or administrator, you will not need to become a Member of The MLC. Your publisher or administrator will handle your collection and registration. If you work with a music publisher or administrator in any capacity, please check with that music publisher or administrator before becoming a Member of The MLC.

Preparing for Membership

The links below provide information on the steps you can take to learn more about The MLC. 

Once you complete the sign-up process and create your Member profile in The MLC Portal, you'll be able to access the Member Hub, where you can:

• Review detailed information regarding your existing works registrations;
• Edit those existing works registrations to make sure your data is as accurate as possible; 
  Create and submit new registrations for musical works not yet registered with The MLC;
• Manage and update your contact information, banking instructions, and tax forms; and
• Invite other users from your organizations to set up their own user accounts under your Member profile.

Should you have any questions as you complete the sign-up process, please don't hesitate to contact The MLC Support Team here or by phone (615-488-3653).