Answers/Getting started
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Getting started
Step-by-step procedures for every registration and document an independent release needs, in the order you should do them.
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- How to Register With The MLC (Step by Step)Registering with The MLC is free. Create a member account at themlc.com, choose Self-Administered Songwriter if you control your own publishing, add each work with its writers, splits and ISWC, link the…
- How to Register With ASCAP or BMI (Step by Step)Pick one performing rights organization on cost: BMI charges songwriters $0 and ASCAP charges a $50 one-time processing fee.
- How to Register With SoundExchange (Step by Step)SoundExchange registration is free — its own wording is "Registering is free, simple, and fast." Create an account at soundexchange.com and register in both roles that apply to you: featured artist and sound…
- How to Register a Song With the US Copyright Office (Step by Step)Create a free eCO account at copyright.gov, pick the right application, upload a deposit copy and pay. As of August 2026 the Single Application is $45 for one work by one author who is the sole claimant, the…
- How to Fill Out a Split Sheet (With Every Field Explained)A split sheet records one song's writing shares in writing before anyone leaves the session. It needs the song title, date, studio, and for every contributor: legal name, role, PRO affiliation, IPI/CAE number…
- The Independent Release Checklist: What to Do Before, On, and After Release DayA complete independent release runs on a fixed timeline. Four weeks out: sign the split sheet, register the work at ASCAP or BMI and at The MLC, add the recording to SoundExchange, decide on copyright…
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Get the paperwork done in one afternoon
The Zero to Beat Society walks through registration, splits and release paperwork step by step — with the templates and checklists already filled in.
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