This is a follow-up from my previous blog explaining which uses generate which types of royalties, and where you would collect them. Many of you have requested country-specific info, so here it is for Canada!
IF MY MUSIC IS ON ____ THEN I GET ROYALTIES FROM ____
Interactive streams & Downloads from services like Spotify/Apple Music/iTunes:
Publishing side: SOCAN + SOCAN/SODRAC or CMRRA
Master side: label/distributor
Non-interactive streams/satellite radio like Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, SiriusXM
Publishing side: SOCAN
Master side for producers/labels: Re:Sound or CONNECT Music Licensing or SOPROQ
Master side for performers: Re:Sound or MROC or Artisti or ACTRA-RACS
Physical sales
Publishing side: SOCAN + SOCAN/SODRAC or CMRRA
Master side: label/distributor
Background music at a public place
Publishing side: SOCAN
Master side for producers/labels: Re:Sound or CONNECT Music Licensing or SOPROQ
Master side for performers: Re:Sound or MROC or Artisti or ACTRA-RACS
Synchronization license
Publishing side: Client pays your publisher/agent or you directly
Master side: Client pays your label/agent or you directly.
Radio play:
Publishing side: SOCAN
Master side for producers/labels: Re:Sound or CONNECT Music Licensing or SOPROQ
Master side for performers: Re:Sound or MROC or Artisti or ACTRA-RACS
Note on reproduction rights:
In the U.S., reproduction rights for the underlying composition are called mechanical royalties. In Canada, “reproduction rights” is used for both the composition and the master side, but they are collected by different societies!
COLLECTING SOCIETIES FOR WRITERS AND PUBLISHERS
SOCAN:
https://www.socan.com/
- Collects and distributes performance royalties.
- Since acquiring SODRAC, SOCAN now also collects mechanicals (a.k.a reproduction rights), but you have to opt in by filling out this form.
SODRAC:
https://sodrac.ca
- Collects mechanicals. Now part of SOCAN.
- You have to choose between CMRRA or SODRAC/SOCAN.
CMRRA:
https://www.cmrra.ca/
- Collects and distributes mechanicals.
- You have to choose between CMRRA or SODRAC/SOCAN.
- CMRRA was acquired by SoundExchange.
COLLECTING SOCIETIES FOR MASTER RIGHTS HOLDERS
Re:Sound:
https://www.resound.ca
- Collects and distributes neighbouring rights.
- If you are a member of Re:Sound, you can collect from them directly.
- If you are a member of any of the following collectives, Re:Sound will distribute to them, and they’ll distribute to you.
CONNECT Music Licensing:
https://connectmusic.ca/licensing/
- Collects and distributes neighbouring rights for producers, labels.
SOPROQ:
https://www.soproq.org
- Collects and distributes neighbouring rights for producers, labels.
MROC:
https://musiciansrights.ca
- Collects and distributes neighbouring rights for performers.
ARTISTI:
https://www.artisti.ca/
- Collects and distributes neighbouring rights for performers.
ACTRA-RACS:
https://actraracs.ca
- Collects and distributes neighbouring rights for performers.
Further reading:
FYI Music News: Canadian music royalty ecosystem explained – 2nd edition
SODRAC, SOPROQ, ARTISTI – what do they do?
Why I do this:
As a former data nerd, I’m used to untangling a mess of data and I have a knack for condensing complex concepts into a more digestible format. I like to use this superpower to help my fellow indies who want to learn more but can’t find a good source for comprehensive but concise info.
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Sherry-Lynn Lee 