It’s funny how everyone getting into the music industry has a dream of one day making a lot of money through music but they are not willing to follow simple processes that are there to help them achieve this dream.
Such is having your music registered with organizations such as Samro. Samro is there to help musicians earn money when their music is used in radio, TV etc.
However no matter how many times people are encouraged to register their music, they still don’t. I spoke with a few up and coming guys as to why they don’t register their music and most of them said it was complicated and they didn’t know how it’s done.
Well, take it from me it’s not as bad as you think and I’ll take you through the process, but before that let’s look at the benefits of registering your music.
Benefits of registering your music
- Royalties
When your music is played on radio, TV, Musicals etc. there’s certain money that Samro collects from these different platforms and then distribute accordingly to musicians. How much an artist gets paid is determined by the number of times your music was used, this is tracked used an identification code which is assigned to each song when you register your music.
- Copyright Protection
Up and coming musicians are always worried about their music being stolen by big record labels, well when your music is registered, If ever a disagreements over a song occurs. Samro is able to verify based on its records who registered the song first.
- Radio Play listing
Most radio stations if not all need your music to be registered before it can be play listed. So once you’re registered you stand a better chance for your music to be played if it’s of good quality of cause.
Step By Step Process
Here’s a play-by-play walk-through of what’s required to apply for SAMRO membership.
- Download and complete the membership application form : In this form a composer (producer) or author (song writer) will fill-in their personal details (full name and surname, stage name, ID /passport number), contact details and banking details.
- Complete the Notification of Works form that lets us know which works you’re claiming ownership of. This is where information regarding the song being registered is completed such as Song titles, alternative titles, duration, performing artists’ names and sharing of percentages are stated.
- Provide us with the Deed of Assignment.
- Provide proof of identity in the form of a certified copy of your ID document, if your music is owned by a partnership, private company or CC; please supply copies of relevant agreements, founding statements and memoranda or articles of association.
Most of these forms are straight forward and can be completed with no difficulty. Application forms are available on this link & are also available from SAMRO head office during office hours, at 20 De Korte Street in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
To learn more about registering your music visit the Samro website – Samro.org.za
