Bmi & Ascap

[EC_Beast]

I know this is not exactly pro audio...but here it goes. Are you allowed, or able to join both BMI and ASCAP, or is it more of a once you join one, you can not join another type thing? Also, which one typically garners a larger royalty between the two? Thanks!

[xstatic]

Well, since I am sitting here running a 9 day festival for ASCAP, thats where my vote lies;)

[EC_Beast]

Hmmmm...are the perks usually very similar, and if I join ASCAP, is that the only company I can join?

[djui5]

Whatever you do, make sure you sign up with the Harry Fox agency in LA. They'll keep your royalties straight for you :)

[Audioholic]

djui5


if you don't mind me asking, what is the harry fox agency, and do you have thier contact?

[EC_Beast]

As an independant agency in LA, would I need to pay monthly or yearly dues to them? Does Harry Fox has managment tied I'd get an oppurtunity to work with? I'm becoming extraordinarly interested in the business side of the industry, and any help and advise is most appreciated. Thanks again!

[djui5]

http://www.harryfox.com/index.jsp

If you still have questions let me know.

[EC_Beast]

I wrote you a PM, Randy, but I forgot to ask what thing...Is HFA like BMI and ASCAP where it issues out royalties from the air play you get, or does HFA just keep track of them and control licences for like cd's and what not?

[djui5]

HFA keeps track of what is owed to you. You can't trust BMI, ASCAP, or the labels to be honest about your royalties and licensing due....they are evil people :)

I'm not sure if HFA will actually issue you royalties, or send you a report every so often on what your owed.... I think they do it every quarter or something like that...

[sonicworx]

I know you have to setup your own DBA in your state...or have they changed that?

Last I remember I had to go downtown Detroit, register my business with the state, open up a DBA checking account with a local bank and have the funds deposited into the account.