Registration Process

For many musicians and rights holders, understanding how to collect royalties can be daunting. SoundExchange plays a crucial role in this process, especially in collecting digital performance royalties. This course provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to register as an artist or rights holder with SoundExchange and how to ensure your tracks are registered properly to maximize your digital earnings.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before you begin the registration process, ensure that you’re eligible to collect royalties through SoundExchange. You qualify if:

• Your recorded music is played on digital platforms such as satellite radio, internet radio, or cable TV music channels.
• You are a featured artist, copyright owner of the sound recording, or a non-featured musician or vocalist.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Information

Prepare the required information and documents:

• Personal information including your legal name, stage name (if applicable), address, SSN or EIN, and bank account details for direct deposits.
• Information about your recordings, such as track names, album titles, ISRCs (International Standard Recording Codes), and release dates.

Step 3: Register with SoundExchange

For Artists and Rights Holders:

1. Visit the SoundExchange Website: Go to the SoundExchange official website and find the registration section.
2. Choose Your Category: Select whether you’re registering as an artist or a rights holder.
3. Fill Out the Online Form: Complete the online registration form with your personal and payment information.
4. Submit Necessary Documentation: Provide any required documentation, such as a copy of your photo ID and a completed W-9 form (for U.S. residents) or W-8BEN form (for non-U.S. residents).

For Non-Featured Artists:

• If you’re a session musician or backup vocalist, you’ll need to provide details of the recordings you’ve contributed to and any agreements regarding your participation.

Step 4: Register Your Tracks

1. Catalog Submission: Once your account is set up, submit information about your tracks. This can usually be done through an online portal provided by SoundExchange.
2. Provide Detailed Metadata: For each track, include detailed information like the track name, album name, ISRC, release date, and the names of all featured artists.
3. Regular Updates: Keep your catalog up-to-date by adding new tracks as they are released.

Step 5: Verification and Confirmation

• Once you’ve submitted your information, SoundExchange will verify your registration and the details of your tracks.
• You’ll receive a confirmation once the verification is complete. This can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the volume of applications being processed.

Step 6: Monitor Your Account and Royalties

• After registration, regularly log in to your SoundExchange account to monitor your tracks and review your royalty payments.
• SoundExchange provides detailed statements outlining when and where your music was played and the royalties earned.

Tips for a Smooth Registration Process

• Accuracy is Key: Ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays in processing.
• Stay Informed: Watch out for any changes in SoundExchange policies or procedures that may affect your royalties.
• Contact Support: If you encounter any issues or have questions during the registration process, don’t hesitate to contact SoundExchange’s support team for assistance.

Conclusion

Registering with SoundExchange is a critical step for any musician or rights holder looking to capitalize on digital performance royalties. By following these steps and ensuring your information is accurate and up-to-date, you can unlock an essential revenue stream, contributing to your financial stability in the digital music era. Remember, in the world of music, your creations have ongoing value – make sure you’re positioned to reap the benefits they deserve.