We would like to thank everybody, for there help and replys on signing up with BMI. I did get signed up, my partner Charlie is also getting signed up. If anybody has any more comments, we could still use all the advice that you wish to put in.
Thanks
Carl Ray
website http://carlandcharliesongs.tripod.com
E-mail carl_tolson@hotmail.com
Partner Charlie H. Pugh
E-mail charlie_pugh@hotmail.com

Question concerning joining BMI.

I went to their site, but could not find any information on fees, etc. for joining, for percentage, etc.

Where can I find this info?

There is no fee for joining BMI.  As far as percentages, I assume you are referring to what they pay out if your song receives any performance royalties.  As I understand it, they use a formula that is so complex that I doubt that even they understand it.  You won’t find anything about that on there.  just when you get your check go put it in the bank and be happy about it and consider yourself one of the fortunate few.

Thanks for the info.

Another question - Is there any difference between ASCAP and BMI as far as songwriters are concerned?

I see where they do not want you to belong to both - one or the other.  From what I have read some publishers use two names or two companies so they can belong to both ASCAP and BMI.  Is that so they can collect royalties no matter which group the songwriter belongs to?

There is no difference between ASCAP and BMI.  You cannot belong to both of them, only one.  The reason most publishers have companies under both PROs is so they can put the writers they sign with the company that the writers are affiliated with, ie., if you are with BMI and they want to give you a contract, they will sign it under their company affiliated with BMI, and if you are with ASCAP they will sign it with the company they have with ASCAP.

I was recently (about 2 days ago) looking seriously at BMI and ASCAP and it appears as though they are indeed both free for songwriters.  The difference comes in when (and if) you decide to create a publishing company to manage your songs (something that I feel is VERY wise).  ASCAP is free for both songwriters and publishers.  BMI on the other hand has a fee of $150 fee if you are ‘doing business as’ (DBA) or are the sole proprietor of the publishing company.  If it is a “formally organized corporation” or even a non-profit, it costs $250.  And when you consider that, as previously stated, you can only belong to one or the other, you can save yourself up to $250 in the future if you go with ASCAP.

there IS a difference Roy. I have done the research and asked many people of their experiences and by far, ASCAP has gotten better feedback. But I have heard BMI pays more for film/tv composers and ASCAP pays more for songwriters. If you call ASCAP, I’m pretty sure they will let you know how much of a “percentage” they keep for performances, but it’s similar to BMI’s formula. Try calling BMI...they won’t be of much help

I would like to thank everybody for there imput. I learn more each day just by checking in.
Thanks
Carl Ray
website http://carlandcharliesongs.tripod.com

I think you’ll find that both organizations are ultimately made up of lots of good folks, and like so much of the music business, it’s all about building relationships. If one representative isn’t helping you in the way you want, try another one. The bottom line here is, both BMI and ASCAP exist to get songwriters paid, and in my book, that’s a good thing…

Thanks SW101 Moderator 6