2024 Recording Artist and Songwriter Checklist

Here's a summary of the things every artist, musician, songwriter, producer, or manager needs to consider in launching a music career.

• Join ASCAP, BMI, GMR or SESAC (pick one) as a songwriter.

• Join ASCAP, BMI, GMR or SESAC as a music publisher (pick the same one as you did for writer).

• Make a list of all completed songs with co-writer/co-publisher splits and contact information and date of creation.

• Submit titles and songwriter "splits" to ASCAP, BMI, GMR or SESAC (just to the one you joined).

• Determine if collaboration agreement(s) are needed for co-writers on songs.

• Make a list of all completed sound recordings and co-owners, if any.

• If you are self-published and administer your own music publishing, join and submit your songs to the Music Licensing Collective www.themlc.com to collect your digital download and streaming mechanical royalties from the digital service providers.

• Determine songs and sound recordings to file for Copyright.

• File Copyright Applications before publication or as soon after publication as possible.

• Secure ISRC codes for sound recordings that will be released (https://www.usisrc.org/) and provide to anyone who releases your sound recordings.

• Embed metadata into digital tracks.

• Join Sound Exchange as an Artist (for collection of digital performance artist royalties) www.soundexchange.com.

• Join Sound Exchange as a Copyright Owner (for collection of digital performance sound recording owner royalties) www.soundexchange.com.

• Check the AFM SAG AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund to see if they have any money for you.

• Determine if work for hire agreements are needed for any talent, producers, engineers, side musicians on sound recordings.

• Determine aggregator to upload tracks for digital and streaming.

• Determine distributor, if any, for physical product.

• Secure domain name.

• Secure social networking fan and business sites (not just personal).

• Consider if you need to file a trademark application for your band name.

• If you are in a band, do you need a band operating agreement?

• Do you need a formal business entity? Are you touring?

• Do you have a manager? Is this formalized in writing?

• Do you have someone loaning you money or fronting expenses/recording costs/living expenses for your career? Is this relationship in writing?

• Create Electronic Press Kit.

• Social media influencer agreements.

• Secure work for hire/copyright assignment for any photos, video/footage filmed by others on your behalf.

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