Notes · Royalty collection
BMI Royalties
BMI administers a royalty stream. Notes registers your catalog so those royalties can be matched to you. Flat subscription. No royalty cut.
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) is one of the major US performing-rights organizations (PROs). It collects public-performance royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers whenever their compositions are performed publicly: across streaming, radio, television, live venues, and businesses. Like every PRO, BMI splits each performance royalty into a writer's share and a publisher's share, and pays each side directly.
Best for Notes. Musicians already affiliated with BMI, or whose catalog earns the royalties BMI administers, who want registration and collection in the same Notes account.
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How Notes collects this
If you're affiliated with BMI, Notes registers your compositions and publisher data so the performance royalties BMI collects are matched to you. Public-performance royalties BMI collects for songwriters and publishers are reconciled with the rest of your catalog, with no percentage taken. Notes is a flat subscription. It does not take a percentage of royalties. Notes does not recommend one collection society over another.
The two pools
Where this sits on the royalty ring
- Distribution
- Broadcast
- Publishing
- Performance
Each arc is a /learn royalty type. The ring is the same chart as the glossary hub.
Questions
FAQ
- What are BMI royalties?
- BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) is one of the major US performing-rights organizations (PROs). It collects public-performance royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers whenever their compositions are performed publicly: across streaming, radio, television, live venues, and businesses. Like every PRO, BMI splits each performance royalty into a writer's share and a publisher's share, and pays each side directly.
- Who can affiliate with BMI?
- Both songwriters and music publishers can affiliate with BMI. Songwriters join to collect the writer's share of public-performance royalties; publishers join to collect the publisher's share. A songwriter affiliates with one PRO at a time.
- How do I affiliate with BMI?
- You apply directly through BMI, then register each composition with your splits, IPI/CAE number, and co-writers so performances can be matched to you. Notes submits your compositions, publisher data, IPI numbers, and splits so the performance royalties BMI collects are matched to you and paid in full.
- What's the difference between ASCAP and BMI?
- ASCAP and BMI are the two largest US performing rights organizations. Both license the public performance of compositions and collect performance royalties for songwriters and publishers, and a songwriter affiliates with one PRO at a time. They differ in corporate structure, governance, and payment schedules. Review each organization's current terms to see which fits your catalog.
- Does BMI collect royalties earned outside the US?
- BMI collects US public-performance royalties and, through reciprocal agreements with performing-rights organizations abroad, the performance royalties your songs earn internationally. Notes keeps your registrations aligned so you receive what you're owed.
- Does Notes take a percentage?
- No. Notes is a simple $5/month subscription with no percentages and no hidden fees. The royalties BMI collects on your behalf are paid to you in full.
Built on the record
Sources
Notes is an independent music distribution and publishing administration service. Named platforms and collection societies are independent organizations. This page is not affiliated with, authorized by, or sponsored by them. BMI is a trademark of Broadcast Music, Inc. Notes is not affiliated with, authorized by, or sponsored by BMI.