To collect 100% of the money your music earns, you need four specific registrations. Most independent artists only have one (Distribution). If you do not have a Distributor, a PRO, a Publishing Administrator, and a SoundExchange account, you are likely losing 30–50% of your potential revenue.
The most dangerous feeling in the music business is the false sense of security. You see your song on Spotify. You see a small deposit in your bank account. You assume, “Okay, the system is working.”
The system is working—but it’s only sending you the easy money. The difficult money (Mechanicals, International Performance, Digital Radio) doesn’t come to you automatically. You have to go get it.
Here is the definitive audit to see exactly what you are missing.
The “4-Step” Royalty Audit
Go through these four steps. If you answer “No” to any of them, you have a leak in your income pipeline.
1. The Distributor Check
- Question: Do you have a distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby)?
- What it collects: Master Royalties from streams (Spotify, Apple) and downloads (iTunes).
- The “Leak”: If you are only on SoundCloud or YouTube directly, you are earning $0 from audio streaming platforms.
- Status: ✅ Covered (Most artists have this).
2. The PRO Check
- Question: Are you registered as a songwriter with ASCAP, BMI, PRS, or your country’s society (like IPRS)?
- What it collects: Performance Royalties. This pays you when your song is played on FM radio, in restaurants, live venues, or on TV.
- The “Leak”: If you aren’t registered, your radio money is sitting in a holding account.
- Status: ⚠️ Common Gap (Many artists forget to register individual songs after they sign up).
3. The Publishing/Mechanical Check
- Question: Do you have a Publishing Administrator (like Audiobulb, Songtrust) or a direct membership with The MLC?
- What it collects: Mechanical Royalties. These are generated every time a song is streamed interactively (on-demand).
- The “Leak”: This is the #1 source of lost income. Your PRO (ASCAP) does not collect this. Your Distributor does not collect this. Without an admin, this money stays with The MLC or foreign societies forever.
- Status: ❌ Major Gap (Most indie artists miss this).
4. The SoundExchange Check
- Question: Are you registered with SoundExchange?
- What it collects: Digital Performance Royalties. This is for “Non-Interactive” streams like SiriusXM (Satellite Radio), Pandora Radio, and cable TV music channels.
- The “Leak”: This is totally separate from ASCAP/BMI. If you get played on Satellite Radio and aren’t on SoundExchange, you get $0.
- Status: ❌ Major Gap (Often ignored).
The “Missed Money” Calculator
What does “missing out” actually look like in dollars? Let’s assume your song earns $1,000 in total revenue. Here is where it hides:
| Revenue Source | Who Collects it? | Estimated Amount | If you Miss This… |
| Streaming Master | Distributor | $550-$600 | You aren’t on Spotify. |
| Performance (US) | PRO (ASCAP/BMI) | $100-$150 | You work for free on radio. |
| Mechanicals | Publisher (Audiobulb) | $100-$150 | Lost to the Black Box. |
| International Performance | Publisher (Audiobulb) | $100-$150 | Lost to foreign societies. |
| Digital Radio | SoundExchange | Variable | Lost Satellite revenue. |
The Reality: If you only have a Distributor, you are potentially collecting just 60% of your money. The other 40% (Publishing + Mechanicals + Foreign) requires a Publisher.
How to Fix It Today (The “Patch Your Leaks” Plan)
Step 1: Check your Credits. Go to Spotify. Look at your song credits. Does it list a Publishing Entity? If it’s blank, fix it immediately.
Step 2: Sign an Administration Deal. You don’t need a record label. You need an Administrator. A service like Audiobulb acts as your “Collection Agent.” You keep your rights, but we go to The MLC, HFA, and 100+ global societies to register your songs.
Step 3: Register with SoundExchange. This is free to do. Go to SoundExchange.com and register as both a “Performer” and a “Rights Owner” (if you own your masters).
FAQ: Closing the Gaps
I’ve been releasing music for 2 years without a publisher. Is that money gone?
Maybe not. Mechanical royalties are typically held for 2 to 3 years (depending on the territory) before they are liquidated. If you sign up for Publishing Administration now, we can often perform a “Retroactive Audit” and claim that back-pay for you.
Can’t I just join The MLC myself?
You can join The MLC directly to collect US Mechanicals. However, The MLC does not collect International Mechanicals or Performance royalties. You would still need to join societies in the UK, Germany, Japan, etc., individually. An Administrator does all of this in one shot.
Does Audiobulb collect SoundExchange money?
No. SoundExchange pays the artist and master owner directly. We handle the composition (Publishing) side. You should register with SoundExchange yourself (it’s free!), and use Audiobulb for your Publishing.
Summary
Collecting 100% of your royalties isn’t about being famous; it’s about being organized. The difference between a hobbyist and a professional is often just paperwork.
Your Next Step: Don’t let another quarter go by with a leak in your pocket. Sign up for Audiobulb Administration today, and let us hunt down the royalties you are currently missing.
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