Also switching from ASCAP to BMI

[Tunesmith]

Once you have the letter you then call BMI or use the website.
They will need a copy of the letter and then can start your membership.

Hi Cass,

Thank you so much! Amazing isn't it? Crazy..

Best to you!

Linda

[TheRealPatrickAdams]

I studied both for the longest time before making the leap. Went with BMI after careful thought and deliberation. Good to hear some more successful folks are going that route.

[SquareBiz]

Very helpful...I'm going to share this with my composer!
Thanks!

[DaveZ]

I'm glad i ran across this! I am with BMI but was under the impression Ascap paid more for instrumentals and was contemplating switching. Scratch that off the to do list.

Dave

[ComposerLDG]

Hmm, now you guys have me thinking as well...

[DesireInspires]

Hmm, now you guys have me thinking as well...

You should start by comparing your cue sheets to your royalty statements. See if there are instances where cue sheets are filed, but royalties have not been paid. If this happens, call ASCAP on the phone and ask them will payouts be made. If they tell you that you will not be paid for uses of your music, make the switch.

It is ASCAP’s sole purpose to collect and distribute royalties to songwriters and publishers. If they are collecting and not distributing, they are not serving their purpose.

[Paulie]

Something to know for those switching: BMI only pays out every three months, they do not send international or other stuff during other months. It's three months between statements. And, their website sort of sucks, so getting decent data on your library is not really possible. And, from what I've seen from others, BMI statement are not as helpful as ASCAP. But hell, BMI has earned over a billion the last two years, maybe they can spring for a couple of developers to modernize things?

Paulie

[DesireInspires]

Something to know for those switching: BMI only pays out every three months, they do not send international or other stuff during other months. It's three months between statements. And, their website sort of sucks, so getting decent data on your library is not really possible. And, from what I've seen from others, BMI statement are not as helpful as ASCAP. But hell, BMI has earned over a billion the last two years, maybe they can spring for a couple of developers to modernize things?

Paulie

That will actually be good for me. I will get ASCAP checks in some months and BMI checks in the other months.

[ronnie35]

So this is what my status is with ASCAP Membership status: Current

You were elected to ASCAP Membership on 09/01/2000. Your membership renews automatically on an annual basis.

The next period during which you may properly notify ASCAP of your intention to resign is from 04/01/2020 to 06/30/2020.

If you are eligible to resign, your resignation would be effective on 10/01/2020. This information may not apply if you have otherwise agreed that you will not resign from ASCAP membership for a specified period of time.

SO DO I HAVE TO WAIT TILL APRIL /2020 ?

RON

[cassmcentee]

Yes Ron, call them (membership services) with your questions.

I found the ASCAP member services to be a bit rude on the phone, BMI the exact opposite...