Understanding PROs: SESAC vs ASCAP vs BMI
Posted in Guides
As a songwriter, composer, or music publisher, understanding how Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) work - and being registered with one - is a critical step in protecting your rights and earning income from your music.
PROs, like SESAC, ASCAP, and BMI, play a critical role in the music industry by ensuring that creators are fairly compensated when their work is performed publicly—whether on the radio, TV, live venues, or streaming platforms.
But how do these organizations differ? Let’s take a look at the key differences between SESAC, ASCAP, and BMI to help you decide which one might be right for you.
Before diving into the differences, let’s look at what a PRO is and how they help musicians.
What is a Performing Rights Organization (PRO)?
A Performance Rights Organization (PRO) is responsible for collecting performance royalties on behalf of songwriters, composers, and publishers. These royalties are generated when your music is:
Played on the radio, TV, or in a film.
Performed live at concerts or venues.
Streamed on platforms like Pandora or other services offering non-interactive plays, where listeners cannot choose specific songs.
keeping track of when and where music gets played, and making sure royalties go to the right people. They also team up with other PROs around the world to collect and distribute royalties across borders. For example, if your song gets played in the UK, PRS for Music might work with ASCAP or BMI to make sure you get paid back in the U.S.
Here’s what a PRO typically does:
Licensing: Giving businesses and organizations permission to use copyrighted music.
Royalty Collection: Keeping tabs on music performances and collecting fees from those who use it.
Royalty Distribution: Paying out royalties to songwriters, composers, and publishers based on performance data.
Advocacy: Standing up for the rights and interests of music creators within the industry and beyond.
PROs aren’t just a U.S. thing—they’re everywhere, making sure songwriters, composers, and publishers all over the world get paid when their music is played publicly. In the UK, there’s PRS for Music; in Canada, SOCAN; and in Australia, APRA AMCOS. These organizations work together through agreements to collect and distribute royalties across borders. So, if your song gets played in Tokyo, this global network makes sure you still get paid back in Nashville.
In this article, we’ll focus on the three main PROs in the United States: SESAC, ASCAP, and BMI.
These organizations dominate the U.S. market and are where most American songwriters begin their journey in protecting and monetizing their music.
SESAC
Overview: SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers) is the smallest of the three major PROs in the U.S., but it’s known for being selective and exclusive. Membership is invitation-only, which allows SESAC to focus on a smaller roster of songwriters and publishers.
Key Features:
Invitation-Only Membership: You can’t apply to SESAC; they must invite you. However, you can improve your chances by having a representative—such as a lawyer, manager, or agent—reach out on your behalf. A current SESAC member may also be able to help facilitate an invitation.
Personalized Service: SESAC offers a more hands-on approach to working with its members, which many artists find appealing.
Faster Royalty Payments: Payments are often distributed more quickly compared to ASCAP and BMI.
Pros:
Personalized attention.
Faster royalty payouts.
Great for established or highly successful songwriters.
Cons:
Invitation-only membership limits access.
Not ideal for new or independent artists.
Fee Structure: SESAC does not charge a membership fee, but its exclusivity means you’ll need to be invited to join.
ASCAP
Overview: ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) is one of the oldest and most well-known PROs in the U.S., representing a broad spectrum of songwriters, composers, and publishers. Unlike SESAC, ASCAP is open to all, making it a popular choice for emerging artists.
Key Features:
Open Membership: Anyone can apply for ASCAP membership online for a one-time fee of $50.
Balanced Payouts: ASCAP uses a performance-based formula to ensure fair royalty distribution.
Strong Network: ASCAP hosts workshops, showcases, and networking events for members.
Pros:
Open to all music creators.
Transparent royalty system.
Networking opportunities and events.
Cons:
Royalty payouts can take longer than SESAC.
Less personalized service due to the large member base.
Fee Structure: ASCAP charges a one-time $50 membership fee for songwriters and publishers.
BMI
Overview: BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) is the largest PRO in the United States, representing over a million songwriters, composers, and publishers. Like ASCAP, BMI is open to all, and it’s known for being particularly friendly to independent and emerging artists.
Key Features:
Free Membership: BMI does not charge songwriters a fee to join, making it accessible to everyone.
Broad Reach: BMI represents a vast catalog of music across many genres.
Live Performance Royalties: BMI offers royalties for live performances in qualifying venues, which is a big perk for touring artists.
Pros:
Free membership for songwriters.
Ideal for independent and emerging artists.
Extensive catalog and reach.
Cons:
Payments may take time to process.
Less personalized attention compared to SESAC.
Fee Structure: BMI membership is free for songwriters, though publishers pay a $150 application fee for individuals or $250 for companies.
AMRA: A New Player in the PRO Space
While SESAC, ASCAP, and BMI are the dominant PROs in the U.S., there is also AMRA (American Music Rights Association), which operates differently. AMRA focuses on digital music services and uses advanced technology to provide transparent and efficient royalty collections. Unlike traditional PROs, AMRA's global model aims to maximize royalties for its members by bypassing regional intermediaries, collecting directly from digital platforms worldwide.
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | SESAC | ASCAP | BMI |
---|---|---|---|
Membership Eligibility | Invitation only | Open to all | Open to all |
Membership Fees | No fees for writers; publishers must affiliate | $50 one-time fee for writers; $50 for publishers | Free for writers; $150–$250 for publishers |
Payout Speed | Quarterly payments, faster than ASCAP and BMI | Approximately 6-7 months after performance | Approximately 6-9 months after performance |
International Reach | Reciprocal agreements for international royalties | Global partnerships with other PROs | Global partnerships with other PROs |
Additional Perks | More personalized support, networking opportunities | Workshops, events, and awards | Songwriting camps, awards, and resources |
Which PRO Is Right for You?
Choosing a PRO depends on your career stage and goals:
SESAC is ideal for established artists who want personalized service and faster payments.
ASCAP is great for those who value networking opportunities and transparency.
BMI is a solid choice for emerging artists, especially if you want to avoid upfront fees.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got a good understanding of what PROs do and the main options in the U.S., you should have a better idea of which one best fits your needs. Whether you choose SESAC, ASCAP, or BMI, signing up is a key step to getting paid for the music you create. In the end, it’s all about making sure you're earning what you're due for the work you put out there, and being registered with a PRO is a vital part of having a long-term, sustainable career.