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Music Biz Weekly Podcast Episode 457: The Mechanical Licensing Collective Collects Royalties from Streaming and Download Services, featuring Kris Ahrend | Mechanical Licensing Collective

We are joined by Kris Ahrend from The Mechanical Licensing Collective. The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) is a nonprofit organization designated by the U.S. Copyright Office pursuant to the historic Music Modernization Act of 2018. 

Click here to listen to the podcast episode. 

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

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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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Press Releases BETA

Reuters: MLC CEO Kris Ahrend on connecting copyright owners with streaming royalties

February 21, 2026
Press Releases BETA

Music Biz Weekly Podcast Episode 457: The Mechanical Licensing Collective Collects Royalties from Streaming and Download Services, featuring Kris Ahrend

February 21, 2026
Press Releases BETA

Politico: The streaming royalty wars return

February 21, 2026
Press Releases BETA

Billboard: MLC Collects $40M for January, Makes First Rights Holders Payments

February 21, 2026
Press Releases BETA

Music Business Worldwide: Meet the organization that’s distributed over $250m in mechanical royalties to rightsholders this year

February 21, 2026
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