John answers questions from the knowthemusicbiz.com community members in the WWJDD? blog.

Question from Kathy in South Carolina

Hi JD,
I am a songwriter in an emerging band and we are about to complete and release our debut cd. What is your take on sharing songwriter royalties with others in the band? Also, how does one decide which performing rights organization to join these days? Do you have any practical tips and insights on choosing between ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, etc? I have read that you can contact each of them and decide based on options and relationships you develop, but I have not approached a particular one yet.
Thanks for your guidance!

Kathy Osborne, from the band South85
www.south85.com
www.myspace.com/south85band



WWJDD?

Hey Kathy,
You share the songwriting credit any way you see fit. Either work done, like melody, chords or lyrics contributed or situation inspired, being there & essential to the process. It doesn't have to be 50/50. Always do what your intuition tells you is right. You will probably do the right thing & won't have regrets. You could say all you songs were written by Jesus or your mommy if you wanted but then they would collect the royalties.

I used to be w/ BMI, mostly run by broadcasters i.e. radio & the like. They were competent but sort of hands off, didn't really hear from them personally. I switched to ASCAP because it's run by songwriters & composers. Also someone I've known for a long time works @ ASCAP & I get a bit more attention that way. That only applies to an established writer but anyone can have a champion in any company. By which I mean if you meet someone at either society who really gets what you write then work w/ them. It appears that ASCAP collects a bit more money than BMI but I'm sure someone else might say the opposite. Both are non-profit & do a good job. I don't know any writers who use SESAC so I can't really comment on them but they definitely are the lesser of the three.

best of luck,
Jd


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