Music Business Worldwide: The MLC has Distributed $1 Billion to Songwriters to Date

The MLC has Distributed $1 Billion to Songwriters to Date

Back in 2018, a bill was signed into US law that paved the way for a complete overhaul of the music licensing framework in the market via the introduction of a blanket mechanical license for digital service providers (DSPs).

That bill, the Music Modernization Act (MMA), resulted in the designation, by the United States Copyright Office (USCO), of the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) – an entity tasked with licensing and administering rights.

What that has all meant in practice since then, is that music streaming services in the United States like Spotify and Apple Music have been required to pay large sums of mechanical royalties to MLC, which serves as an exclusive administrator.

The MLC’s job is to then distribute these royalties to music publishers, administrators, ex-US CMOs, and self-administered songwriters, composers and lyricists whose songs have been streamed.

Click here to view the full article.

Get Started

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.

Become A Member

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

ARTICLES

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