01
Set ownership first
Current stageAgree on songwriter, publisher, producer, and beat rights before recording or uploading.
0/3 tasks
My artist journey
Turn a song idea into an organized release
Choose a goal, work through each stage, and use the linked guides and tools when you need them. Your progress is saved in this browser.
Release readiness
0%
0 of 14 checklist tasks
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Choose your starting goal
What are you working on?
Learn → Do → Verify
Your six-stage release journey
Read the explanation, open the action, then mark the stage complete when your work is documented.
02
Prepare the release
Keep the master, composition, credits, identifiers, and delivery assets together.
0/2 tasks
03
Protect the work
Understand copyright registration, cover-song requirements, and permissions before release.
0/2 tasks
04
Deliver the music
Send accurate audio, artwork, credits, and release information through your distributor.
0/2 tasks
05
Register the money paths
Connect the composition and master to the PRO, MLC, SoundExchange, and other relevant systems.
0/3 tasks
06
Keep collecting and audit
Track performances, compare statements, and resolve missing or unmatched royalty data.
0/2 tasks
Sources supporting this page
View source index →The Dual-Copyright Paradigm
17 U.S.C. § 102(a)(2)17 U.S.C. § 102(a)(7)
17 U.S.C. § 115 - Compulsory Mechanical Licenses
17 U.S.C. § 115
The MLC (The Mechanical Licensing Collective)
SoundExchange
17 U.S.C. § 114(g)
The Authoritative 10-Step Audit Protocol
The MLC unmatched and unclaimed royalties guidanceSoundExchange rights-holder registration guidanceASCAP royalties and payment guidance