Getting a PRO number.

[ShaunS]

Hi All,
so, following on from the advice I got recently from the forum. (Just for context I'm in the initial stages of all this)
I went to join my local PRO organization (APRA) in Australia.
It appears I need to have a placement before I can do this, I wonder if it's the same with the PRO organizations in the US, it seems precarious, bit like what comes first - the chicken or the egg. Anyway, I guess when I look like I'm close to getting a placement, I will tick the box saying I have sold some of my work for distribution to the public and hopefully I will get my PRO number in good time. Anyone else struggled with this? is this a thing when we're starting off, one of those conundrums you just have to somehow sort out?
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Cheers ShaunS

[Guitarhacker23]

I recall having my BMI number way before I ever got anything placed.

I'd check that again because you should have a number before you get placements. Your publisher/library is going to want that number right up front so they can get all your info added correctly before the song is used commercially.

[AlanHall]

I'm not from Australia myself, but there are other Taxi members who are. I'm hoping one of them will chime in here.

[funsongs]

Hi Shaun;
2 cents from The Peanut Gallery... what I had to find out as a 'newbie', too;
(in your search for applicable PRO rules and protocol in Australia) - here in the US, at least with BMI:
1) I was able to get both a Member account number,
2) the all-important IPI number - which you will need to have when asked for it;

And when I asked BMI "When do I notify you to register a new work?"
The answer was, "When the work is released."

You might also want to be prepared to state who your publisher is: even if it's you;
as well as the author of the work (or, if you have co-writers' names/splits)

Hope that helps; good luck getting your PRO set up and ready to go.
Cheers, Peter.

[Telefunkin]

I don't know anything about APRA but this should be fairly easy if you have already created any original music.
Their web page says you may be eligible to join if you write or compose your own songs, plus...
You'll also need to match one or more of the following criteria:
- You (or someone else) perform your songs live,
- Your songs are broadcast on TV or radio,
- Your songs are available for online streaming.

So, if APRA were to ask for evidence (although I'm not sure whether they would), could you provide proof of any of the above? If there's nothing else, you could always put a few of your original compositions (maybe even Taxi submissions) on Soundcloud = 'available for streaming'. Once you've been accepted by APRA you could take them down again if you wish.

As you mentioned, you will need to be a member of a PRO before a library will sign any of your music, so it would be best to get it done upfront rather than risk keeping a library waiting while you sort it out.

BTW, remember that its your allocated IPI or CAE number (not your membership or account number) that libraries will need. That number is your unique identifier which allows your music to be tracked back to your PRO (so you get royalty payments from them) regardless of wherever in the world it is broadcast.

Good luck .

[Guitarhacker23]

Going off of what Telefunken said....

All you have to do is tell them you perform your songs live, AND/OR post them online and you're qualified as "streaming".

Get registered and get your IPI/CAE number

[ShaunS]

thanks people.
I think I get the drift.
Merry Christmas to you all from Down Under.
Cheers
ShaunS