SESAC is one of the leading performing rights organizations (PROs) in the United States. It plays a crucial role in the music industry by ensuring that songwriters, composers, and music publishers get paid when their work is performed publicly. Here’s a breakdown of what SESAC is and why it’s important.
1. What Does SESAC Do?
SESAC, short for the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers, manages music licensing and royalty collection. Whenever a song is played on the radio, streamed online, or used in a TV show, the songwriter and publisher earn royalties. SESAC collects these royalties on behalf of its members.
2. How Does SESAC Differ from Other PROs?
Unlike larger PROs like ASCAP and BMI, SESAC operates as a for-profit organization. It’s also invitation-only, meaning you can’t apply to join. This exclusivity allows SESAC to offer more personalized services to its members. Additionally, SESAC often provides quicker royalty payouts, which is a big advantage for songwriters and publishers.
3. Who Can Join SESAC?
SESAC is known for representing songwriters, composers, and publishers from various genres. However, since membership is invitation-only, it’s important to have an established track record in the music industry. If you’re an artist or songwriter with growing success, SESAC might reach out to you for membership.
4. Why is SESAC Important?
SESAC helps ensure that musicians and songwriters are fairly compensated for their work. With its efficient royalty collection and distribution process, SESAC plays a critical role in the music industry’s financial ecosystem. By partnering with TV networks, streaming platforms, and venues, SESAC ensures that its members are paid whenever their music is played.
5. SESAC’s Global Reach
SESAC isn’t limited to the U.S. It has partnerships with international rights organizations, ensuring that its members receive royalties from around the world. This global reach makes SESAC an attractive option for artists with an international audience.
Conclusion
SESAC is a key player in the world of music rights and royalties. By offering personalized service, fast payouts, and international reach, SESAC helps songwriters and publishers maximize their earnings. If you’re an established artist, SESAC could be the right PRO to manage your music royalties.
