Registration Is Everything

Music registration is one of the most critical yet overlooked steps in an artist’s career. When artists properly register their songs—across performance rights organizations (PROs), publishing databases, distribution platforms, and global rights registries—they ensure that every stream, performance, placement, and usage can be tracked and monetized. Without registration, royalties go unclaimed, credits are inaccurate, and artists lose both income and recognition.

Proper registration protects your intellectual property, proves ownership, and creates a clear paper trail that safeguards your work in an industry where disputes are common. It also sets the foundation for long-term revenue through sync licensing, publishing deals, catalog sales, and international collections. In short: registering your music isn’t paperwork—it’s securing your legacy, your income, and your leverage as an artist.

BOOK A CREATIVE CALL

Choose your plan

How-To's For Artists
$100.00
For 3 months

Get anytime access to our growing collection of classes, workshops, and exclusive content. New items added every month.

✓ Exclusive advice
✓ Unlimited lifetime access
✓ 1 on 1 Consulting with Gata
Digital Strategy
$300.00
Every month

In today’s fast-paced music industry, a strong digital presence is essential for success. Digital Strategy as a Service helps music artists navigate the online world with a structured approach to growing their brand, engaging fans, and maximizing revenue opportunities.

✓ Branding Support
✓ Social Media Scheduling
✓ Strategic Partnerships
✓ Strategic Planning
✓ Customized Roadmap
Case Studies
$1,000.00
One time

Get anytime access to 10 of our most prized case studies featuring the cultural interactions of separate artistes at different tiers navigating the music industry. For a limited time this one time purchases includes the Reclamando La Receta TM course

✓ Exclusivity
✓ Follow-Up Questions With An Industry Professional
✓ Unlimited lifetime access

THE CHECKLIST

    • Finalize writer/composer splits with all collaborators

    • Get split sheets signed (include legal names, PRO affiliations, percentages, and contact info)

    • Document producer agreements and beat licenses

  • (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, PRS, SOCAN, etc.)

    • Register each composition (the songwriting)

    • Ensure all writers and publishers are listed with correct percentages

    • Confirm titles, alternate titles, and ISWC codes

  • (Songtrust, Sentric, Sony Publishing, etc.)

    • Register the compositions for global royalty collection

    • Link your PRO account

    • Ensure metadata matches your PRO registration

    • Create your own publishing company to collect publisher share

    • Register it with your PRO

    • Keep legal records organized

  • (United Masters, ONERPM, CD Baby, Symphonic, The Orchard, etc.)

    • Upload final audio files and correct metadata

    • Input producer/writer credits

    • Add ISRC codes (or let distributor assign them)

    • Provide correct release date & artwork specs

  • Register each master with:

    • Your distributor (for streaming)

    • SoundExchange (for non-interactive digital radio royalties)

    • MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective – for U.S. digital mechanicals)

    • ISRC (for the sound recording)

    • ISWC (for the composition)

    • IPI/CAE number (your songwriter identifier)

    • Confirm they match across platforms

  • Ensure metadata is consistent everywhere:

    • Song title

    • Artist name(s)

    • Featured artist(s)

    • Writers/PROs

    • Producers

    • Genre

    • Year of release

    • Contact email

    • Lyrics (if needed)

    • Musixmatch

    • Genius

    • Distributor lyric portals (if available)

    • Neighboring rights agencies

    • International collection societies (if touring/airplay abroad)

    • U.S. Copyright Office (or your country’s equivalent)

    • Group registration for entire projects when possible

    • Spotify for Artists

    • Apple Music for Artists

    • YouTube Official Artist Channel

    • Amazon Music for Artists

    • TikTok/Bytedance Music Portal

    • Check unclaimed royalties

    • Confirm all songs are registered across all systems

    • Track mismatched metadata or missing payments

BOOK A CREATIVE CALL

After you complete what’s on the checklist. As an indie, you’re going to want to spread the word.

Check out our template.

press release template