Switching from ASCAP to BMI

[WeWillWriteUaSong]

Hey guys! Thought I would share this with my TAXI friends here. I have officially resigned from ASCAP (member since 2007). It will not go into effect for 6 months, at which point I will sign up for BMI. My current catalog will stay with ASCAP, and all new titles (after July) will be with BMI. I made this decision after checking placements with a 50/50 cowriter of mine (with BMI). He is consistently getting 50% - 60% higher payouts than I am for our vocal placements. After some research and speaking with trusted publishers, it is in my best interest to swtich. Evidently 5 years or so ago ASCAP started paying vocal placements at the same rate as instrumentals. Seeing as how my catalog is 75% vocal, the decision was basically made for me. Hope this information helps some peeps, as I was under the popular assumption the differences were minuscule. This is not the case. At least not for vocal placements. Do some research, and call your publishers. Your mileage may vary.

[cassmcentee]

Smart Move Marcus
You must've sweated out this decision!
I understand the need for the 6 month wait, the music ball turns slowly.
So does this mean that you must re-title your entire published catalogue?
How about exclusive contracted tunes, are you working with each library/publisher?

I've been with ASCAP since the early '80s as both Songwriter and Publisher, a well worn rut in the road...
My main collaborator is with BMi and is seeing greater returns in his pocket than I for our same exact placements, all instrumentals...
It seems to me that BMI is "On The Ball"... even if it still turns ever so slow

[DesireInspires]

That is awesome!

I resigned last month. My resignation will be final on April 1st. I also left all of my old stuff with ASCAP.

I just got my domestic writer’s share statement today. It was a joke. A bunch of placements paying less than I was getting a few years ago. I am so happy I resigned.

[cassmcentee]

Cool Desire...
So will ASCAP stop collecting and paying out for your older catalogue?
Starting in April?

[WeWillWriteUaSong]

Cool Desire...
So will ASCAP stop collecting and paying out for your older catalogue?
Starting in April?

No Cass. ASCAP will keep collecting paying us for everything registered during our membership. Once our membership is over, all NEW material will be registered and paid through BMI. You have the option to move your back catalog but have found that is not advisable. My BMI contact agreed. Evidently more falls through the cracks that way.

[cassmcentee]

Copy That! Thanks Marcus
So now... your songs signed to a deal during this 6 month stay, will you still register those tunes with Ascap?
Or has BMI assigned an account# to you for the interim period?

[WeWillWriteUaSong]

Copy That! Thanks Marcus
So now... your songs signed to a deal during this 6 month stay, will you still register those tunes with Ascap?
Or has BMI assigned an account# to you for the interim period?

I had that same question. But no. I still register everything with ASCAP until 7-1. Once it's final, I will be clear to sign up with BMI.

[cassmcentee]

Thanks Again Marcus!
Time for me to get the ball rollin'