Introducing Our New Educational Series for Artists and Songwriters

At the InterContinental Music Awards, we support artists not only by celebrating their achievements, but also by sharing knowledge that helps them build lasting careers. One of the most important foundations of any music career is proper song registration for royalties, ensuring that artists and songwriters receive the income they have earned from their work.

We are launching a new educational series on our website focused on the business side of music. In this series, we will break down essential topics such as royalties, registrations, releases, pitching, and submissions. Our goal is to make industry processes easier to understand so independent artists can protect their music and get paid correctly.

This article is the first in the series, and we are starting with one of the most important steps in any release.

Why Proper Song Registration Matters

As a global community of artists, songwriters, and industry professionals, we know how easy it is to focus on creativity and overlook administration. However, proper registration is what ensures you receive the royalties you earn.

Even if you already understand the basics, it is always smart to review the process and confirm that nothing is missing. When you register your music correctly, you protect your rights, prevent payment delays, and avoid issues when releasing, pitching, or submitting your songs.

In simple terms, registration builds the financial foundation of your music career. Without it, royalties can be lost or never collected.

Below is the step by step process every songwriter and artist should follow.

Step 1. Confirm the Song Splits

First, all collaborators must agree on ownership.

Make sure you have:

• All songwriters listed
• Percentage splits that equal 100 percent
• Confirmation of who owns the master recording

You should finalize splits as soon as the song is finished. This step prevents disputes and allows you to move forward with registrations smoothly.

Step 2. Register the Song with a Performing Rights Organization

Next, each songwriter must register the composition with a Performing Rights Organization, also known as a PRO. PROs collect performance royalties when music is played publicly.

For example, performance royalties come from:

• Radio airplay
• Television broadcasts
• Live performances
• Film and TV placements
• Public use in venues and businesses

Common PROs include ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, SOCAN, etc.

All writers must register the same song using the same splits. As a result, royalties can be tracked and paid accurately.

Step 3. Register Mechanical Royalties

In addition to performance royalties, songs generate mechanical royalties. These come from streaming and downloads.

Mechanical royalties are paid for:

• Streaming platforms
• Digital downloads

In the United States, The Mechanical Licensing Collective collects these royalties. Independent artists and songwriters must register directly or use a publishing administrator.

If you skip this step, you may miss out on mechanical income entirely. Therefore, it is critical to complete this registration.

Step 4. Consider Publishing Administration

Some artists choose to work with publishing administration services. These companies handle registrations and collect royalties on your behalf.

For instance, they:

• Register songs globally
• Track royalties across territories
• Manage reporting

Examples include Songtrust and Sentric.

Although this step is optional, it can save time and improve royalty collection, especially for artists with international reach.

Step 5. Register the Master Recording

Now let’s look at the master recording. The master is the actual sound recording of the song.

If you own the master, you should:

• Register it through your distributor
• Obtain an ISRC code
• List the correct master owner

Distributors collect master royalties. Meanwhile, PROs and publishers collect songwriting royalties. Since these income streams are separate, both registrations are necessary.

Step 6. Make Sure All Data Matches

Accurate metadata is essential across all platforms.

Make sure the following details match everywhere:

• Song title
• Songwriter names
• Percentage splits
• Publisher information

If data does not match, royalty payments can be delayed or blocked. For this reason, always double check registrations before release.

Step 7. Complete Registration Before Releasing or Pitching

Finally, complete all registrations before your song goes public.

This includes before:

• Distribution to streaming platforms
• Sync pitching for film and TV
• Submissions to awards or opportunities

By registering early, you ensure royalties start tracking immediately and your rights stay protected.

Summary

Proper song registration includes:

• Confirmed songwriter splits
• PRO registration
• Mechanical royalty registration
• Master registration
• Consistent metadata across platforms

Closing Thoughts

Registering your music may feel technical, but it plays a major role in your career. When you handle registrations correctly, you protect your work and secure your income.

This article is part of our new educational series created to support our global community of independent artists and songwriters. We will continue sharing practical guides and industry insights on the InterContinental Music Awards website.

Stay tuned for more resources designed to help you grow, release, and succeed with confidence.

For more than a decade, the InterContinental Music Awards has provided a global platform for musicians from all over the world to showcase their talent and gain valuable industry insight. The InterContinental Music Awards has recognized outstanding artists from every continent and region, celebrating musical excellence across cultures and genres. Each year, winners receive meaningful opportunities ranging from professional music production and live performances on major stages to educational resources and mentorship designed to help artists take their careers to the next level.

Read more and submit your music for the 2026 awards here.

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