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.
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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.
Resources
Resources to help you maximize your earnings
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
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.
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.
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