| BMI and ASCAP publishing are basically music licensing | | | | 1909, ASCAP was soon formed afterwards in the |
| systems. We find that in today's music world topics | | | | year 1913. This was influenced by a dramatic event. |
| such as publishing, copywriting and digital rights | | | | Stephen Foster, a famous songwriter during this time, |
| management play a key role in this field. | | | | had died without a dime while publishers amassed |
| Most professional musicians and artists are really | | | | fortunes as a result of his music. |
| worried about their publishing ownership and copyrights. | | | | Since that period, we find that ASCAP has |
| So one can see the importance of establishments | | | | increasingly expanded its system in order to collect |
| such as BMI and ASCAP. | | | | money from sound recordings in addition to new |
| These organizations have wide spread influence and | | | | formats such as television and movies. BMI was |
| also oversee the distribution of a lot of the money | | | | established in 1940. It was created in response to |
| from royalties in today's music industry. Additionally, | | | | ASCAP. This was because many artists felt that |
| they play a majorly important role in the area of music | | | | ASCAP overlooked the interests of alternative music. |
| business. Unfortunately, many hip hop music producers | | | | It was also widely suspected by many that ASCAP |
| and beatmakers are totally unaware of these | | | | indulged in monopolistic activities. |
| institutions. | | | | BMI and ASCAP have become really popular with |
| It's definitely in the best interest of serious producers to | | | | time. They both offer very special features that |
| learn more about this business side of music even if | | | | compensate songwriters in a number of ways. You |
| you''re using royalty free hip hop samples. | | | | can access each of their websites to find out which is |
| Just after the Copyright Law was first enacted in | | | | best for your particular situation. |