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Soundfly: Everything Rightsholders Need to Know

Here's Everything Rightsholders Need to Know About The MLC

If you’re a songwriter or other creator with music available for streaming and downloads through digital service providers (DSPs) like Spotify and Apple Music, there’s one very important question you should be asking yourself: are you getting all of the money you have earned for the use of your music by those services?

If the answer is “no” – or you’re not sure – it’s time to get to know The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC).

Established by the Music Modernization Act of 2018 (MMA), The MLC’s mission is simple: to ensure rightsholders like you receive all of the digital audio mechanical royalties they’re owed for streams and downloads of their music. And The MLC began fulfilling that mission in a big way during its first official year of operations in 2021, distributing more than $280 million in royalties to its membership of self-administered songwriters, composers, lyricists, and music publishers.

With even more royalties to be distributed by The MLC this year, you don’t want to miss out on the money you have earned and deserve. Read on to learn a handful of key details you should know about The MLC and why you might want to consider joining.

But before you do, if you’d like to learn a bit more about all the different royalties you’re eligible to collect as an artist, and how to collect them, take a look at our free, in-depth course with DIY music industry insider, Ari Herstand, How to Get All the Royalties You Never Knew Existed. Check it out!

Click here to view 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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soundboard 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

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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

ARIPO: What You Should Know About The MLC

February 21, 2026
Press Releases BETA

Soundfly: Everything Rightsholders Need to Know

February 21, 2026
Press Releases BETA

Nashville Post: In Charge 2022: Music

February 21, 2026
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
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