Jeff T Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 Hi all, I'm just (finally) getting myself set up with SOCAN, the Canadian performing rights organization, and consequently have to choose between ASCAP and BMI for US royalties, and I thought I'd ask to see if anyone had any opinions or thoughts about which one is better. I'm mainly doing film and TV music. Thanks. (this is a topice I've posted on a few different forums, sorry if you're seeing multiples of it!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duddits Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 There was more of a difference between BMI and ASCAP in the past. These days, there's really no difference. Personal relationships might push you into one camp or the other, but they do the same thing. Having said that, all things created equal, go with ASCAP. Dooby Dooby Doo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Flier Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 Yeah, what Duddits said. I think both do a fine job and I've never really heard anybody complain about either one. Personally I'm with ASCAP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dak Lander Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 I'm in the ASCAP camp too though I've not seen any advantage one way or the other. I've had huge problems with their system keeping information and changes. Our Joint "When you come slam bang up against trouble, it never looks half as bad if you face up to it." The Duke... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip OKeefe Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 Not to be contrary, but I prefer BMI. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robmix Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 I've heard good and bad stories about both, though more bad ones about BMI. I personally chose ASCAP after having meetings with both of them. I also disliked the idea of the broadcasters having any say in my royalty earnings. Rob Hoffman http://www.robmixmusic.com Los Angeles, CA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bejeeber Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 I've heard a ton of complaints about both - mainly from instrumental music composers, since for instrumental music on TV both ASCAP and BMI pay a small fraction of what music with vocals would receive, unlike other PROs around the world. I've found that ASCAP staffers don't seem to necessarily have that freindly of a demeanor on the phone either, but maybe that's just a regional sort of difference? Just a pinch between the geek and chum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YourMotherShouldKnow Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 I was in Vancouver this summer and fell in love with it. BMI here. I think you can swap out pretty easily (30 days notice? I don't remember exactly). So it's not a major commitment either way. If you've got some stuff up online I'd like to hear what you're doin'. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fantasticsound Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 Well.. Let's see... BMI has that monolithic building at the head of Music Row that can be easily seen from many places downtown.. But ASCAP is our client (for their country - music awards just before the CMA Awards show) so I guess I'll add my voice to the ASCAP chorus. Perhaps you should speak with reps from both companies and make a decision based on what they tell you in conjunction with the suggestions here. It's easiest to find me on Facebook. Neil Bergman Soundclick fntstcsnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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