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How does one join BMI if you've not yet had a song published? I've performed on published recordings, but have never had my own composition recorded. From the BMI web site:

If you have written at least one musical composition, either by yourself or with others, and the composition is currently being performed or is likely to be performed soon, you should join BMI. An official “public performance” can be live or recorded, and occurs when your musical composition is performed on the radio, television, or the Internet, as well as in live music venues, clubs, and in other public performances.

Taxi listings usually say "You must own or control the Master and Copyright to pitch for this opportunity." So, if I am fortunate enough to get something forwarded and placed, does my mere creation of a song constitute a valid copyright from Taxi's perspective? It seems that a single placement would be enough to qualify to become a BMI member. I guess my main questions is: "How do I join BMI or ASCAP if I'm not published yet?"

Thanks!

You don't have to have anything published to join a PRO. I didn't have anything at first, but I was expecting to, so I joined without registering anything. I am guessing the statement you quoted is from the BMI website? Anyway, it says should not have to.

You can go to either the BMI, ASCAP or SESAC (although I think they are a bit different from the other two) website and join as a writer - You can only be a member of one PRO at a time.

cheers
kc

You can only be a member of one PRO at a time.

I just learned something new on another PRO thread: you can actually be a member more than one PRO as a *publisher*, although not as a writer.
If you think about it, it makes sense, but..I never thought about it!

True. You can join, one as a writer and the other as a publisher. But I believe you have to pay to join as a publisher.

No cost to join as a writer.

Cheers
kc

jonnybutter wrote:

You can only be a member of one PRO at a time.

I just learned something new on another PRO thread: you can actually be a member more than one PRO as a *publisher*, although not as a writer.
If you think about it, it makes sense, but..I never thought about it!

true, but if there is a BMI writer registered on the tune, there has to be a corresponding BMI publisher on it.

That;s why all the libraries have pub companies for each domestic PRO.

like

Writer A 50% BMI / Writer B 50% ASCAP

the library would register as

Library Songs 50% BMI / Songs from our Library 50% ASCAP.

so as a publisher, you don't get to play both sides of the fence, you need to register to PRO's similar to writers and in same percentages. Only time it makes a difference is if the writers are from a foreign country and their side of the publishing is represented by a domestic PRO.

like one non-ex library that a lot of members here writer for:

Writer A 50% BMI / Writer B 50% SOCAN

the library would register as

Library Songs 100% BMI

Interesting. thanks Andy

Great feedback, folks. So, if my focus is really going to be instrumental cues for film/tv instead of writing songs with lyrics to target artists, is one better than the other to join?

I went back and forth on this Paulie, and I couldn't find a clear answer. Every time I found a sign that would point to one, I would come across a countervailing one. Kayle, Andy and others might have more wisdom on this than I, but I ended up just picking one.

I'll probably go BMI just because it's easier to spell.