Solo Musician Podcast

In this episode, we explore the critical role that Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) like BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC play in the music industry. Whether you're a musician, songwriter, or venue owner, understanding these organizations is key to navigating copyright, royalties, and legal music usage. 🎶 What You'll Learn: What are PROs?: Understand the difference between BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC — three major PROs in the U.S. that help protect music creators’ rights and ensure they get paid when their music is publicly performed. BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.): A for-profit organization with over 1.4 million affiliates, representing artists like Miley Cyrus and Eminem. ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers): A nonprofit with over 1 million members, including stars like Billie Eilish and Beyoncé. SESAC: An invitation-only, for-profit PRO representing artists like Bob Dylan and Ariana Grande. How PROs Work: Learn how these organizations help creators by tracking public performances of their music, managing licenses, and distributing royalties. Discover how they simplify the licensing process for venues and businesses using music. How PROs Benefit Musicians: Find out how PROs offer a steady income source, protect creators' rights, and ensure fair royalty payouts. Despite challenges in royalty distribution, PROs play a pivotal role in supporting songwriters and composers, especially in the streaming era. What PROs Offer Venues: If you run a venue or business that plays music, you’ll want to know how PROs help you legally comply with copyright laws, access a huge music catalog, and avoid the risks of non-compliance (fines, lawsuits, reputation damage). Real Talk About Royalties: While many musicians don’t live off their royalties, songwriters still benefit the most from PROs. As the backbone of the music industry, they need support more than ever with the decline of physical sales and the rise of streaming. 🔑 Why it Matters: Whether you’re an artist, venue, or music lover, understanding how music licensing works through PROs is crucial for keeping the music business fair and sustainable. Support live music and compensate creators for their work! #MusicIndustry #BMI #ASCAP #SESAC #PerformingRights #Royalties #MusicLicensing #MusicRights #Songwriters #MusicBusiness #HowPROsWork #VenueLicensing #LiveMusicSupport #MusicCreators #MusicRoyalties