What is HFA song Code?
The HFA Song Code is a unique 6-character identifier for a song in HFA’s database and is often used to associate a publishing asset to a master recording. It is vital to music publishers because it matches copyright use to its licenses so that royalties can be distributed accurately.
What is Songfile?
Songfile is an online mechanical licensing tool designed for the D.I.Y music industry market. It allows the public to search through over millions of songs and purchase licenses. A mechanical license is needed if one wants to manufacture and distribute recordings that they did not write.
How much does Songfile cost?
The cost to use the Songfile service is $16 per song (plus the statutory mechanical rates). If a user licenses more than 5 songs in one transaction, the processing fee is reduced to $14 for each additional song (i.e. for songs 6 and up). The statutory rate is set by section 115 of the U.S. Copyright Act.
Do I need HFA and MLC?
Do I need to register with the MLC? Not if you’re using CD Baby Pro Publishing! The MLC is working with the Harry Fox Agency (HFA) to build a database of works. That means all CD Baby Pro members will have their songs transferred to the MLC’s database with all the ownership information.
How much does it cost to join Harry Fox Agency?
Harry Fox Agency pays “mechanical streaming royalties” each quarter. It cost around $125 to $150 to affiliate. Uploading albums, track titles, label, publisher, IRSC codes and so on, was extremely tedious and difficult.
Does DistroKid collect mechanical royalties?
DistroKid and other similar services are only for distribution and collect mechanical royalties for digital streams and sales. So, when you only take advantage of one piece of the pie, you’re essentially leaving other revenue sources on the table.
Does HFA collect international mechanical royalties?
HFA also provides a service to collect foreign mechanical royalties.
Are song covers copyright free?
When someone records and releases a song, you are free to do your own cover version of that song by obtaining a mechanical or “compulsory” license. Then, every time your cover version is sold or reproduced, you (or your record label) must pay the statutory royalty fee for that song (currently 9.1¢ per copy in the US).
Does DistroKid pay mechanical royalties?
DistroKid does not collect and payout mechanical royalties for digital streams and sales that your music makes. Mechanical royalties are paid out any time a physical or digital copy of one of your songs is made. You earn these from the right to “mechanically” reproduce your music in any format.
Do I need the MLC if I have DistroKid?
If you use that service, you do not need to sign up for the MLC. Distrokid does not currently have a publishing admin feature, but likely will eventually. Just be careful what boxes you check when you upload new songs on there so that you don’t accidentally sign up for their admin deals unless you really want to.
Do I need Songtrust if I have HFA?
You can still use Songtrust if you already have an account with The Harry Fox Agency (HFA).
Is Harry Fox Agency a pro?
The Harry Fox Agency is not a PRO, but a mechanical licensing organization.
Does DistroKid own your masters?
DistroKid does not take any ownership or intellectual property rights from artists. You keep 100% ownership.
Do I need HFA if I have Songtrust?
We’re on the same team. You can still use Songtrust if you already have an account with The Harry Fox Agency (HFA).