Today Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) announced a new program called BMI Live that will allow songwriters to register live performances for consideration for royalty payment.
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BMI has created a new portal on their website at www.bmi.com/live for BMI-registered songwriters to track and record their performances at live music venues.
The program is specifically aimed at smaller performing artists. While many aspiring and professional songwriters and artists register with performing rights organizations, such as BMI or ASCAP, the bulk of royalties are paid out to artists whose radio play is significant.
In a press statement, Mike O’Neill, Senior Vice President of Repertoire and Licensing at BMI, says, “Small venues and clubs are the lifeblood for songwriters and bands. These venues support live, local music, as well as touring artists and are the cradle of tomorrow’s stars. We’re committed to helping songwriters get paid for their music in these venues, which provide a vital stage for their music.”
Songwriters should visit the new site and can register any live performances within the last six months. BMI plans to begin paying royalties on qualified performances to songwriters and their publishers in June, based on performances from July – December 2010. Songwriters have until the end of March 2011 to register for the June distribution.
For more, visit www.bmi.com/live.
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