Performing Rights Societies

Performing rights societies are organizations that collect and distribute royalties to songwriters and music publishers for the use of their music. These societies monitor public performances of music in places such as restaurants, bars, and concert venues, and collect fees from these establishments for the right to play music. The collected fees are then distributed to the appropriate songwriters and publishers based on the frequency and type of usage of their music.

In the United States, there are three major performing rights societies: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Each society represents a large number of songwriters and publishers, and they all operate in a similar manner. In addition to collecting and distributing royalties, these societies also provide resources and services to their members such as educational opportunities, networking events, and legal assistance.

Performing rights societies play an important role in the music industry by ensuring that songwriters and publishers are fairly compensated for the use of their music. Without these organizations, it would be much more difficult for creators to receive payment for their work and for businesses to legally use music in their establishments.

1. ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) – ASCAP is a performing rights organization that collects and distributes royalties to its members for the public performance of their copyrighted works. It represents over 700,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers.
2. BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) – BMI is a performing rights organization that represents over 1.1 million songwriters, composers and music publishers. It collects and distributes royalties for the public performance of its members’ works.
3. SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers) – SESAC is a performing rights organization that represents over 30,000 songwriters and publishers. It collects and distributes royalties for the public performance of its members’ works.
4. SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) – SOCAN is a performing rights organization that represents over 160,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers. It collects and distributes royalties for the public performance of its members’ works.
5. PRS for Music (Performing Rights Society for Music) – PRS for Music is a UK-based performing rights organization that represents over 155,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers. It collects and distributes royalties for the public performance of its members’ works.
6. GEMA (Gesellschaft für musikalische Aufführungs- und mechanische Vervielfältigungsrechte) – GEMA is a German performing rights organization that represents over 77,000 composers, lyricists and music publishers. It collects and distributes royalties for the public performance of its members’ works.
7. JASRAC (Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers) – JASRAC is a performing rights organization in Japan that represents over 100,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers. It collects and distributes royalties for the public performance of its members’ works.
8. AKM (Austro-Mechana) – AKM is the Austrian collecting society for music rights. It represents over 20,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers. It collects and distributes royalties for the public performance of its members’ works.
9. KODA (Koda Organisation for Danish Composers and Songwriters) – KODA is a Danish performing rights organization that represents over 45,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers. It collects and distributes royalties for the public performance of its members’ works.
10. STIM (Svenska Tonsättares Internationella Musikbyrå) – STIM is a Swedish performing rights organization that represents over 85,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers. It collects and distributes royalties for the public performance of its members’ works.