Another BMI Check (That’s #2 if you’re counting.)
I just got another check from my Performing Rights Organization, BMI. To those of you out there actually paying your BMI license for the music you’re podcasting, THANK YOU!
Just like the previous check (my first one), it’s not enough to retire. Not enough to pay rent either. Heck, it’s not even enough to celebrate with sushi and sake. It’s encouraging, though, to see that one old-media establishment does indeed work in the new media world.
If you’re a podcaster, this is the part I want you to focus on: Once you can afford your bandwidth and hosting, get a BMI license. Every reported podcast play puts another drop of gasoline in my touring tank. BMI is not a big evil monolith like the RIAA (assholes), it’s a well-established system where songwriters (me) get paid for radio and internet play (you). Even on a small scale, it works.
If independent music is making your podcast better- and especially if your podcast is sponsored or making affiliate sales or ad clicks, etc. -then please help us fill up our tanks (and stomachs). This system actually works, but only if you make it fair.
September 29th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
congrats once again. ryan just got his check, but mine is still forthcoming. actually, we do direct deposit but they send us the paperwork detailing who paid what. its cool now to see the first last.fm payments coming in! also getting some pandora and imeem. of course it’s usually like 1 cent per play, but i guess it all adds up doesn’t it?
September 29th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Hope you got some of those funds from plays on BounceRadio.net - I know we’ve played your tunes quite a few times!!
September 30th, 2008 at 3:58 am
Yep! BMI and ASCAP and SESAC etc serve a great purpose! I’m VERY glad you are with BMI (the choice of the Beatles also, and much nicer people than the ASCAP ones in my experience)… good tidings to you!
September 30th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Les-
Podcast plays just register as “internet play”, not as a specific site. The only other services that are registering right now are Live365 and PressPlay. If BounceRadio is a traditional internet streaming radio station (God, are they “traditional” now?) I may not be getting enough plays to make an impression on the aggregate.
I definitely appreciate the spins, though! If you can keep it up, maybe it’ll register!
September 30th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Yes, BounceRadio.net is pretty “traditional” and pays all the ASCAP/BMI fees, so you should see something from there! I’ll play a song or two from ya tonight on my show and help even more