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2. Performance Royalties: For Public Performance

Part 1 • Two Components of the Publishing Royalty: Performance and Mechanical

Performance Royalties are generated whenever your musical composition is publicly performed. "Public performance" has a very broad legal definition and includes:

<ul> <li><strong>Streaming:</strong> When your song is streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube (ad-supported), etc.</li> <li><strong>Radio Airplay:</strong> Terrestrial (AM/FM), satellite (SiriusXM), and internet radio.</li> <li><strong>Live Performance:</strong> When you (or another artist) perform your song live in a venue.</li> <li><strong>TV/Film Background Music:</strong> When your song is played in a public broadcast setting.</li> <li><strong>Public Spaces:</strong> When your song is played in bars, restaurants, stores, gyms, etc.</li> </ul> These royalties are collected by Performing Rights Organizations (PROs).

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In this module: Two Components of the Publishing Royalty: Performance and Mechanical10 steps
  1. 1The Publishing Royalty: An Overview
  2. 2Performance Royalties: For Public Performance
  3. 3Collecting Performance Royalties: Performing Rights Organizations (PROs)
  4. 4Mechanical Royalties: For Reproduction and Distribution
  5. 5Collecting Mechanical Royalties: The MLC and Publishing Administrators
  6. 6The "Black Box" Problem: Uncollected Royalties
  7. 7The Publisher Role: Even If It's Just You
  8. 8Strategic Implications: Maximizing Income from Every Stream
  9. 9The Dual Registration Mandate
  10. 10Your Actionable Royalty Collection Checklist