“Neighboring Rights” are performance royalties for the recording, not the song.1 While a publisher collects for the songwriting, they do not collect these. To get this money, you must register with SoundExchange (for US digital radio) and International CMOs (for global radio/TV). If you own your masters and perform on your tracks, you are entitled to 100% of this revenue.
If “Publishing” is the royalty for the blueprint (the song), then “Neighboring Rights” are the royalties for the house itself (the recording).
They are called “neighboring” because they live right next door to publishing, but they are managed by completely different organizations. Here is how to claim your share.
1. What Exactly are Neighboring Rights?
Neighboring rights are paid to the Master Owner (the label or indie artist) and the Performers (the singers and musicians) whenever a recording is played publicly.
- The Catch: In the USA, “Neighboring Rights” only apply to Digital Radio (SiriusXM, Pandora, iHeartRadio). Traditional FM/AM radio in the US does not pay the recording owner, only the songwriter.
- The Opportunity: In almost every other country (UK, Europe, Canada, etc.), FM/AM radio does pay neighboring rights. If your song is played on the BBC in London, you are owed a neighboring rights royalty that your PRO (ASCAP/BMI) cannot collect.
2. The 50/50 Split (Again!)
Just like publishing, neighboring rights are usually split down the middle:
- 50% to the Rights Owner: The person or label who paid for the recording.
- 50% to the Performers: 45% goes to the Featured Artist, and 5% goes to a fund for session musicians/background singers.
If you are an independent artist who writes, records, and owns your music, you are both the “Owner” and the “Performer.” You get it all.
3. Where to Register (The Collection Plan)
Step 1: SoundExchange (USA)
SoundExchange is the only organization authorized in the US to collect these royalties.
- Who it covers: Pandora, SiriusXM, Webcasts, and Cable TV music channels.
- Action: Register as both a “Performer” and a “Rights Owner.” It is free to join.
Step 2: International CMOs (Rest of World)
To collect money from radio play in the UK or Europe, you need to be registered with a Collective Management Organization (CMO) in those territories.
- Major CMOs: PPL (UK), GVL (Germany), SENA (Netherlands).
- The Shortcut: Many artists use a Neighboring Rights Administrator (like Symphonic, LimeBlue, or even SoundExchange’s international mandate) to collect this for a small percentage.
4. Neighboring Rights vs. Publishing
This is where artists get stuck. Let’s look at a song played on SiriusXM:
| Who is paying? | SiriusXM |
| Royalty Type 1 | Performance Royalty (for the Song) |
| Who Collects? | ASCAP / BMI / SESAC |
| Royalty Type 2 | Neighboring Rights (for the Recording) |
| Who Collects? | SoundExchange |
Crucial Note: Your music publisher (Audiobulb) does not collect neighboring rights. These belong to the Master Recording. However, we advocate for you to have both set up so your “Real Estate” is fully covered.
FAQ: Neighboring Rights
Why doesn’t my distributor collect this?
Some distributors (like CD Baby or TuneCore) have “SoundExchange” opt-ins, but they often only collect the Owner’s share and ignore the Performer’s share. Registering yourself ensures you get both halves.
I’m a producer. Do I get Neighboring Rights?
Yes, if you contributed an audible performance to the track (like playing a synth or programming the drums). You must be listed on the “Performer” credits when the song is registered with the CMO.
What is “Equitable Remuneration”?
This is the legal term used in Europe and the UK. It means that performers have a right to be paid for the use of their recording, and this right cannot be signed away in a contract. It ensures session players get paid even if the label owns the master.
Summary
Neighboring rights are often the “forgotten” royalty. If you have any radio airplay outside the US, or significant Pandora/SiriusXM streams, there is likely a pile of money waiting for you.
Your Next Step: Go to SoundExchange.com and search their “Unclaimed Data” tool for your artist name. If you see your songs but haven’t registered, that’s your money sitting in their vault. Once that is settled, ensure your Publishing is also secure with Audiobulb so both your Recording and your Song are earning 24/7.