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DIY Musician: What is the MLC, and do I still need a publisher?

What is the MLC, and do I still need a publisher?

What the Mechanical Licensing Collective means for songwriters

In official music biz terms, the MLC is a U.S.-based Mechanical Rights Organization (MRO) designated by the U.S. Copyright Office to issue and administer the digital audio mechanical blanket license in accordance with the Music Modernization Act to DSPs (digital service providers like Spotify and Apple Music) in the United States.

What this means for you, the independent artist, is that the MLC was created to help songwriters in the U.S. collect mechanical royalties generated from streaming. Since these royalties can be difficult to collect on your own, the MLC is an extremely helpful organization, especially for indie artists.

What is a mechanical royalty?

Every time a song you’ve written is manufactured on a CD, downloaded on a digital music retail site, or streamed through services like Spotify and Apple Music, you’re owed a royalty from that transaction. This is called a mechanical royalty.

Click here to read the full article.

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MEmbership is always free

Our mission is to support creators like you with full transparency into the performance of your music. Our member portal helps you see which of your songs have earned royalties, which ones are still being matched, and when payments are made. This openness helps you trust the process and know that your songs are being tracked and paid for fairly.

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Resources

Resources to help you maximize your earnings
stylus tablet ARTICLES

DURP Informational Webinar

If you’re an independent music distributor, aggregator, or sound recording distributor interested in accessing all the unmatched recordings you’ve

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Data Programs

Data Programs at The MLC The MLC’s data programs support the efforts of dozens of digital media and technology companies around the world to gain insight

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iStock-493969748_@1x FAQs

What are the regulations and where can one find the full text of the rates and terms for Phono 4?

The CRB published a Final Rule in the U.S. Federal Register setting the blanket license mechanical royalty rates for permanent digital downloads.

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iStock-493969748_@1x FAQs

Where can I find answers about The MLC portal?

After you have established a login to the Portal, you will find helpful information in our Knowledge Base.

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hand on keyboard FAQs

I want to read the regulation myself. Where can I find it?

The regulation outlining this entire process is found in 37 CFR 210.10(c)(5). You can also reference the regulation along with supplementary information as

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News & Press Releases 

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Press Releases BETA

Billboard: 2022 Power List Revealed

February 21, 2026
Press Releases BETA

DIY Musician: What is the MLC, and do I still need a publisher?

February 21, 2026
Press Releases BETA

Axios: Major Leap for Streaming Royalties

February 21, 2026
Press Releases BETA

Billboard: Revealed Billboard’s 2022 Women In Music Top Executives

February 21, 2026
Press Releases BETA

Music Daily: The MLC Announces Pair of Webinars for Hispanic Heritage Month Initiative

February 21, 2026
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