The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) is a non-profit organization that collects and distributes digital audio mechanical royalties to eligible songwriters, composers, and lyricists. If you are a songwriter, composer, or lyricist, you can register with The MLC to collect royalties when your songs are streamed on digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora.
Steps to Register with The MLC
- Create an Account: Visit The MLC’s website (mlc.org) and click on the “Register” button. Create a free account by providing your personal information, including your full name, contact information, and tax identification number.
- Choose Your Role: Select whether you are registering as a songwriter, composer, or both.
- Enter Song Details: Provide the titles, creators, and creation dates of all the songs you want to register. You can also add additional information like copyright registration numbers and co-writers.
- Pay Registration Fees: The MLC charges a one-time registration fee for new registrants. The fee varies depending on your role and the number of songs you register.
- Complete the Registration Process: Once you have submitted all the required information and paid the fees, your music registration will be processed. You should receive a confirmation email or notification once your songs are officially registered.
Benefits of Registering with The MLC
- Collect Digital Performance Royalties: The MLC actively monitors and collects digital performance royalties for your music when it’s played on digital streaming services. They then distribute these royalties to you based on the amount of airplay or performance your music receives.
- Protect Your Rights: Registering your music with The MLC helps establish your ownership rights and provides a legal record of your work.
- Increase Exposure: The MLC often promotes their members’ music to potential licensees and broadcasters, potentially expanding your audience and opportunities.
- Streamlined Licensing: The MLC provides a centralized licensing platform for businesses that want to use your music, making it easier to secure legal licenses and payments.
- International Coverage: The MLC has agreements with PROs in other countries, ensuring that your music is protected and eligible for royalties worldwide.
Additional Considerations
- Song Data Maintenance: It is important to keep your song data up-to-date within The MLC’s portal to ensure accurate royalty distribution.
- Tax Implications: Royalty payments from The MLC may be subject to income taxes. Consult with a tax advisor to understand your tax obligations.
- Copyright Protection: While The MLC collects digital performance royalties, copyright registration with the U.S. Copyright Office provides additional protection for your music and may be required for certain legal actions.
By registering with The MLC, you can take control of your digital music royalties and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your creative work. The MLC provides a valuable service to independent creators, helping them navigate the complexities of the music industry and maximize their earnings from their music.
