Socan or BMI/ASCAP

[jnmorrison]

Hey -a general question to anyone that has time.I'm a Canadian so the logical choice would be to join SOCAN, but I'm wondering if I need to join BMI or ASCAP too? It appears that SOCAN has agreements with BMI and ASCAP, as well as others worldwide, so I'm guessing I only need to register with SOCAN?I'm jumping the gun, as nothing of mine has even been forwarded yet, but I think it's good to be prepared so that I don't have to rush and make a mistake when the time comes.cheers for any advice!jnm

[mazz]

You can only belong to one PRO, as far as I know. I'm sure the SOCAN will be able to connect with BMI and ASCAP, etc. and get your royalties to you. I belong to ASCAP and I just got an international statement and there was stuff from Canada via SOCAN plus stuff from many other countries as well.There are some Canadians on here so I'm sure they'll speak up. Hummingbird is a SOCAN member, she will probably weigh in soon enough!Mazz

[hummingbird]

When you join SOCAN you will be asked to choose your US affiliate, BMI or ASCAP. You can join SOCAN when you have evidence that your song has been performed live or on radio, or when you have a publishing/library agreement.

[jnmorrison]

Thanks very much for your help!I did check out the SOCAN website, and noticed that to qualify for membership you have to have proof that your material has been performed live and/or for sale/performed on radio etc.Luckily, I've had one of my tracks on Rotation here in Osaka for the past year, (mind you have never been paid for it) BUT - maybe since I'll be joining SOCAN I might see something for it...Thanks again for the tips guys! You rock!

[hummingbird]

just a note to say, it's free to join on line, and then just send your supporting documentation

[11thfloor]

Hi ,
sorry to highjack the thread, but i'm from the UK living in Japan and was wondering who i should register with for copyrite and royalties etc.I haven't had any forwards yet but i just want to get everything set up.I would appreciate any advice.
Many Thanks
Dave

[hummingbird]

Hi ,
sorry to highjack the thread, but i'm from the UK living in Japan and was wondering who i should register with for copyrite and royalties etc.I haven't had any forwards yet but i just want to get everything set up.I would appreciate any advice.
Many Thanks
Dave

Copyright and royalty collection are two different things. I tend to use the US Library of Congress for copyright, you can file on-line now. For a PRO, I don't know, one would assume you would use the UK PRO?

[11thfloor]

Thanks for the reply.I thought the same thing but as most of the listings are for american companies and BMI does accept international members i wondered if it would be wiser for me to register with them.
thanks
Dave

[matto]

Thanks for the reply.I thought the same thing but as most of the listings are for american companies and BMI does accept international members i wondered if it would be wiser for me to register with them.
thanks
Dave

You should generally join the PRO of your country of residence or nationality. You CAN join BMI as a foreign resident, legally speaking, but you would need to get a non resident tax ID from the IRS (US tax authority) in order to do so, and BMI will withhold 30% of your royalty earnings each year for taxes and in order to get those withholdings back you will need to fill out and submit US tax return each year.
I've gone thru his with a co-writer who is from a country that doesn't have its own PRO and it is quite a hassle.

[11thfloor]

Hi Matto,
thanks for the information i appreciate it.

Cheers

Dave