Newbie Confusion with ASCAP's application

[digital1]

I have a Music Library interested in one of my songs, and the owner is forwarding a contract to me. He did mention in passing that there's a place for my ASCAP membership number on it among other things.

I don't have an ASCAP membership number yet, and thought a simple online application was all I needed to fill out.

On the ASCAP site, when I apply for membership, my song has to be in one of four categories:

Comercial recording
Public performance
Performance in any audio/visual or electronic medium
Published sheet music, score or folio.

The category it might fit into is "Performance in an electronic medium". But the song only exists on my Taxi site and SoundCloud.

ASCAP then asks for the web site address and date of performance as verification.

The song hasn't been place anywhere yet (I haven't even signed a contract).

I also realized that it takes about 6 weeks to get the ASCAP membership.

Can anyone shed any light on this for me? It sounds to me like I'm in a Catch-22 situation here.

As always, appreciate your help,

Jerry

[Casey H]

I assume you are joining as a writer, not a publisher.

I'd give ASCAP a call during the week at 1-800-95-ASCAP. They usually just want to verify that you have some application for your music to weed out those who really shouldn't join yet. Explain to them that you are about to sign a song with a library/publisher and ask how best to proceed.

Joining as a writer is pretty straightforward.

Good luck!
Casey

[digital1]

Thanks for the info, Casey. Yes, I would be joining as a writer.

I can't be the first one in the world with this question!

I'll give them a call Monday.

Jerry

[T&V Marino]

WOW! That's seems like a very limited list of descriptions.

Also, did the publisher mean your "CAE" number? That's what they usually need, not the "membership" number. Those are two different things.

Join BMI -- it's easier!

~ Tracey & Vance Marino

[digital1]

Thanks, Tracy and Vance. I called ASCAP and they said it shouldn't be a problem. I already completed the online app for ASCAP. Didn't realize BMI was a much easier process.

Jerry