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June 18, 2025

Jeff Ponchick and Bo Liebman

The Limits of Performance Rights Organizations (PROs): What Independent Artists Need to Know

If you’re a working independent artist, you’ve likely been asked about your royalties. You might respond, “I’m signed with ASCAP” — which is a great first step. But it’s just that: a first step. To fully collect all music royalties you’re owed, you’ll need to go beyond your Performance Rights Organization (PRO).

In this article, we’ll break down what PROs are, what they do (and what PROs’ limits are), and how platforms like Mogul can help ensure you’re registered with all the necessary organizations to track and collect every royalty dollar you deserve.

What Are Performance Rights Organizations (PROs)?

Performance Rights Organizations are entities that collect public performance royalties on behalf of songwriters, composers, and publishers. These royalties are generated anytime your music is played in a public setting — like a radio station, live venue, or streaming service.

The most recognized PROs in the United States include:

ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers)
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers)

Registering with one of these organizations is critical if you write or compose music.

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What Do PROs Do for Music Creators?

While collecting and distributing public performance royalties is their primary function, PROs also handle a range of essential tasks that protect and support music creators:

1. Music Licensing

PROs issue licenses to businesses, radio stations, venues, and streaming platforms so they can legally play your music. Without this license, these entities cannot use your work. This global music licensing and music rights management is directly tied to being able to collect performance royalties.

2. Music Monitoring

PROs monitor where, when, and how often your music is used by licensed entities to ensure proper royalty distribution.

3. Copyright Protection

If your music is used without a license, PROs can intervene — including taking legal action — to enforce your copyrights. They also ensure those with licenses are using your music in compliance with the license.

4. Industry Advocacy

PROs also advocate for fair compensation and stronger copyright laws for music creators at the legislative level.

5. Royalty Collection & Distribution

They ensure the public performance royalties are accurately tracked, collected, and distributed to registered members.

While PROs play a pivotal role in royalty collection, they don’t cover all types of royalties. That’s where many artists miss out — and where Mogul comes in.

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What Don’t PROs Cover? The Gaps in Royalty Collection

There are three major types of royalties that PROs do not collect. To receive these, artists must register with additional organizations:

1. Mechanical Royalties

Generated when your music is reproduced, such as through CD/vinyl sales or digital streaming/downloads.

To collect mechanical royalties in the U.S., register with the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC).
Mogul ensures you’re correctly registered and helps track these royalties across platforms.

2. Neighboring Rights Royalties

Paid to the owners of the actual sound recording (not the composition) when a song is publicly performed — often on international broadcasts or satellite radio.

U.S.-based artists should register with SoundExchange. Other major organizations include PPL (UK) and Re:Sound (Canada).
Mogul assists in registering with the appropriate neighboring rights organization based on your location.

4. Streaming Royalties

Streaming royalties are earned when your music is streamed on services like Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. These royalties are paid to the owner of the recording of the song.

The collection and distribution of streaming royalties are paid out by the distributor.

Mogul assists in registering with the appropriate neighboring rights organization based on your location.

How Mogul Helps Independent Artists Maximize Their Royalties

Mogul’s mission is simple: to help artists track, collect, and optimize all music royalties they’re entitled to. Here's how it works:

Registration Support: Mogul identifies missing registrations and directly registers your music on your behalf with PROs, the MLC, and neighboring rights organizations.
Revenue Aggregation: All royalties from multiple sources are tracked and displayed in one transparent dashboard.
Missing Royalties Detection: Mogul can identify revenue streams you’re not yet collecting on — helping you close the gaps.

Whether you're a seasoned songwriter or just starting your journey as an independent artist, Mogul gives you the tools to build a sustainable career.

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Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave Royalties on the Table

Registering with a PRO like ASCAP or BMI is a vital step in collecting your music royalties — but it’s only part of the picture.

To ensure you're earning all the revenue you’re owed, you’ll also need to:

Sign up with the MLC for mechanical royalties
Register with a neighboring rights organization
Manage your sync opportunities proactively

With Mogul as your partner, you can take control of your music business, track every royalty stream, and build your career with confidence.

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