What are mechanical royalties and how do they work?

What are mechanical royalties and how do they work?

Mechanical royalties are payments made to songwriters and publishers whenever their music is reproduced, such as on CDs or streaming services. They are typically calculated based on the number of copies sold or streamed.

Who is responsible for paying mechanical royalties?

Record labels and music publishers are usually responsible for paying mechanical royalties to the songwriters and publishers.

How are mechanical royalties calculated?

Mechanical royalties are often calculated based on a statutory rate set by law, which is currently 9.1 cents per song for physical copies in the U.S., but can vary for digital downloads and streaming.

Do I need to register my songs to receive mechanical royalties?

Yes, it's important to register your songs with a performing rights organization (PRO) or a music publisher to ensure you receive your mechanical royalties.

Can independent artists collect mechanical royalties?

Absolutely! Independent artists can collect mechanical royalties by registering their works and using services that help track and collect these royalties.