As an independent artist in today’s digital age, owning and managing your music rights isn’t just a legal necessity, it’s the foundation of your career. Without properly registering your works or reclaiming your rights when the time comes, you could miss out on royalties, licensing deals, and long-term income.

In this blog, we’ll break down when and how to register your music rights, and walk you through the process of reclaiming rights if you’ve previously signed them away.

 

What Are Music Rights?

Before we dive in, let’s clarify what “music rights” actually means. When you create music, you automatically own two main types of rights:

1. Master Rights – These relate to the actual sound recording.
   
   
2. Publishing Rights – These cover the underlying composition (lyrics, melody, etc.).
   
   

Both rights can generate income through streaming, sync licensing, radio play, performances, and more.

 

When Should You Register Your Music?

The answer is simple: as soon as your music is created and ready to be shared publicly. Don’t wait until it goes viral or gets playlisted. If your music is out there and not registered, you could be losing money every day.

Here’s a checklist of when to register:

• • Before distributing your release to DSPs (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)
    
    
  • Before pitching your music for sync placements
    
    
  • Before performing live or broadcasting your musiC
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  • Before allowing anyone else to use it commercially
    
    

 

How to Register Your Music Rights

Registering your music rights ensures you get paid every time your work is used. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Register with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO)

Sign up with a PRO like BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC in the U.S. These organizations collect performance royalties from radio, TV, venues, and streaming platforms.

Tip: If you’re both a songwriter and a publisher, register as both to collect your full share.

2. Join a Mechanical Rights Organization

To collect mechanical royalties (from streaming, downloads, physical sales), join The MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective) if you’re in the U.S.

3. Register Your Copyright

Register your music with the U.S. Copyright Office. While copyright exists as soon as a song is created, registration provides legal proof in court if needed.

4. Use a Publishing Administrator

Companies like help you register your music globally and collect royalties from multiple countries and sources.(INNERCAT)

5. Distribute Through a Trusted Aggregator

Distributors like InnerCat Music can also help register ISRC and UPC codes to track and collect royalties from DSPs.

Why It Matters

If your music isn’t properly registered or you don’t own your rights, you’re leaving money, and control, on the table. As an artist in 2025, music rights are your intellectual property. Owning and managing them allows you to build a sustainable, independent career and make informed choices about licensing, sync deals, and distribution.

 

Need Help? InnerCat Can Guide You

At InnerCat Music, we’re committed to helping artists protect their creative work and thrive in today’s music industry. Whether you’re registering your first song or exploring how to reclaim rights from an old deal, we’re here to help.

Follow us on Instagram @innercatmusic and explore our full range of artist services.