MLC Enrolls Distributors Globally
The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) has announced the enrollment of over 100 independent distributors across more than 20 countries in an initiative aimed at identifying unpaid mechanical royalties for music streamed on digital platforms.
Understanding the Unrivaled Royalty Portal
MLC describes the Unrivaled Royalty Portal for Distributors (DURP) as “a highly efficient and effective way to identify independent, self-directed songwriters who do not currently receive digital audio mechanical royalties in the United States.”
Among the signed distributors are notable names such as Believe, CD Baby, DistroKid, Empire, ONerpm, Orchard, and TuneCore. MLC reports that it has distributed “millions of dollars” in previously identified and unpaid royalties.
The portal provides distributors with access to a selection of publicly available MLC data pertinent to the songs they distribute, enabling them to identify clients who may qualify for royalty refunds. These distributors can subsequently notify their clients, inviting them to register as MLC members and enroll their songs. If the distributor also offers publication administration services, clients may opt to collect royalties through their distributor.
Impact of DURP on Independent Creators
“Reaching 100 distribution partners around the globe highlights the value that DURP brings to independent creators and their distributors,” said Dae Bogan, MLC’s Third Party Partnerships Manager leading the DURP initiative.
“By streamlining the process of identifying and claiming unmatched royalties, we are ensuring that every dollar finds its rightful owner.”
“By simplifying the process of identifying and claiming unmatched royalties, we are helping to ensure every dollar reaches its rightful owner.”
Dae Bogan, MLC
Chris Arend, CEO of The MLC, further noted: “DURP is a pioneering initiative that emerged from Dae’s well-known and longstanding commitment to serving and empowering independent music creators.
“This initiative exemplifies MLC’s readiness to collaborate within the industry to discover new and innovative methods to achieve our mission of ensuring that songwriters and their partners receive the digital audio mechanical royalties they are entitled to.”
Established under the Music Modernization Act (MMA) of 2018, MLC is responsible for collecting mechanical royalties from digital service providers (DSPs) in the United States through a blanket license available to qualifying DSPs.
Since becoming fully operational in January 2021, MLC has distributed approximately $2.5 billion in mechanical royalties to songwriters and publishers.
“This initiative is a great example of MLC’s willingness to collaborate with others in the industry to find new and innovative ways to fulfill our mission of ensuring songwriters and their partners receive the digital audio mechanical production royalties they earn.”
Chris Arend, MLC
MLC receives monthly reports from streaming services regarding the use of recordings and attempts to match them with copyright holders. Those records that cannot be matched are included in the MLC database of unmatched records.
Recently, MLC reported that it has successfully matched nearly 70% of historical unmatched records within its scope, where “historical” refers to unmatched records submitted by DSPs for usage up to 2021.
“Navigating royalties can be incredibly confusing, especially when you have to dig through a decade of releases.”
Austin Mead, artist and songwriter
Feedback from indie artists and songwriters regarding the DURP MLC portal has been favorable, with Austin Mead sharing how he was able to track down thousands of dollars in unpaid mechanical royalties.
“Determining royalties can be incredibly confusing, particularly when it involves a decade of releases,” he remarked.
“MLC opened up a new stream of income that I didn’t even know existed. I am grateful for their support of artists like me.”
“As a self-published songwriter, I quickly discovered that MLC was the key to earning mechanical streaming royalties.”
Taura Stinson, songwriter, producer, author
The indie band Ghost also benefited from the DURP portal, noting that for indie artists, “navigating the intricacies of music royalties can be daunting. Thanks to MLC, we learned about mechanical royalties we were unaware we were owed.”
Songwriter, producer, and author Taura Stinson added: “As a self-published songwriter, I quickly realized that MLC is essential for earning mechanical streaming royalties. For any independent songwriter seeking their due, MLC simplifies the process and provides invaluable support.”
