What Does it Mean to be a Self-Administered Songwriter?

In the world of music creation, the self-administered songwriter is one that embraces both artistic expression and administrative responsibility. But what does it actually mean to be a self-administered songwriter, composer or lyricist? We have the answer for you!  

A self-administered songwriter is someone who acts as music publisher of the works they have created. Let’s break it down... 

A writer may be fully or partially self-administered:  

• Fully self-administered songwriters have the sole right to register, license and collect royalties for their works.  
• Partially self-administered songwriters have the sole right to register, license and collect royalties for some of their works, while other works are administered by a publisher/administrator they have entered into a legal agreement with. 

At The MLC, we help creators (and their publishers and administrator partners) collect digital audio mechanical royalties (aka streaming royalties).

Still unsure if you are a self-administered songwriter? Ask yourself these four questions:  

1. Are you signed to a music publishing deal?

If you are signed to a music publishing deal, then you are probably NOT a self-administered songwriter. Your publisher will work with The MLC on your behalf. If you have further questions, we encourage you to contact your music publisher.

2. Are you working with a publishing rights administrator?

If you currently work with a publishing administrator who registers your musical works and collects digital audio mechanical royalties on your behalf, then you are probably NOT a self-administered songwriter. Your administrator will work with The MLC on your behalf. If you have further questions, we encourage you to contact your rights administrator. 

3. Have you retained your rights to register your own musical works?

And do you collect digital audio mechanical royalties for those works either directly or through a business manager, accountant, lawyer or other representative/agent? If you answered both of these questions with “yes,” then you probably ARE a self-administered songwriter and you will need to become a Member of The MLC. 

4. Are you based outside the United States and a member of a collective management organization (CMO) that represents your rights in the United States?

If you are based outside the United States and you are a member of a CMO (such as a mechanical rights society, or a combined performing and mechanical rights society), there is a good chance your CMO will be working with The MLC to represent your interests and collect digital audio mechanical royalties from The MLC on your behalf. In that instance, you do not need to become a Member of The MLC. If you have further questions, we encourage you to contact your CMO. 

We know it can be difficult to navigate all the steps to collect different types of royalties, especially if you don’t have a publisher or administrator. Download our to-do list for songwriters, composers and lyricists to ensure you are receiving all your song-related (aka publishing) royalties. Click here for our to-do list! 

Still not sure if you’re a self-administered songwriter? The MLC is here to help! Please contact us directly here. We’ll do our best to help you determine your status.