Own 100%. Claim 200%.

Plain-English guides on registering your music everywhere it earns. Written for working musicians, not lawyers.

• registrationguide

  How to Register a Song Everywhere It Earns

  Learn how to register a song with your PRO, The MLC, SoundExchange, and the Copyright Office, in the right order, so every royalty reaches you.

  Royalty Lock · September 26, 2026
• copyrightguide

  How to Copyright a Song: eCO Registration Explained

  How to copyright a song in the US: what PA and SR cover, what registration unlocks, eCO steps, where to check fees, and when to file.

  Royalty Lock · September 26, 2026
• splitssongwriting

  Music Split Sheets: Why Every Song Needs One

  What a music split sheet is, what goes on one, writer vs publisher share, and how your splits flow into PRO, MLC, and copyright filings.

  Royalty Lock · September 26, 2026
• soundexchangeguide

  SoundExchange Registration Guide for Artists

  How SoundExchange registration works, what SoundExchange royalties cover, why you register as rights owner and featured artist, and more.

  Royalty Lock · September 26, 2026
• iswcisrcbasics

  ISWC vs ISRC: The Two Codes Every Song Needs

  ISWC vs ISRC explained: what an ISWC is, who assigns each code, where each goes in your registrations, and how covers and remixes work.

  Royalty Lock · September 26, 2026
• publishingadmin

  Publishing Admin vs Self-Admin: Which Is Right for You?

  Music publishing administration explained: self-admin vs an administrator, the overclaim danger, how commission works, and how to decide.

  Royalty Lock · September 26, 2026
• mlcmechanicals

  MLC Registration: How to Collect Your Mechanical Royalties

  How to register with the MLC as an independent songwriter: what you need, step by step setup, bulk works, payment timing, and costly mistakes.

  Royalty Lock · September 26, 2026
• isrcbasics

  What Is an ISRC Code? How to Get One for Your Song

  What an ISRC code is, how it differs from ISWC and UPC, how to get one, and why you must use the same ISRC in every registration.

  Royalty Lock · September 26, 2026
• probmiascap

  BMI vs ASCAP: Which PRO Should You Join?

  A neutral BMI vs ASCAP comparison: what a PRO does, fees and switching, what a PRO does not collect, and how to register songs after joining.

  Royalty Lock · September 26, 2026
• unclaimedroyalties

  Unclaimed Music Royalties: How to Find Money You're Owed

  Find unclaimed music royalties at The MLC, SoundExchange, the AFM & SAG-AFTRA Fund, and state unclaimed property, then claim them for free.

  Royalty Lock · September 26, 2026
• publishingproroyalties

  How to affiliate as a publisher with your PRO (the free unlock most artists miss)

  Registering as a publisher with ASCAP or BMI unlocks the other 50% of your performance royalties. No LLC required. No fees if you sign up right.

  Royalty Lock · July 17, 2026
• streamingroyaltiesdsps

  What does a stream actually pay? 2026 rates by platform

  Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Tidal. Real per-stream payout estimates for 2026, plus a live calculator so you can plug in your own numbers.

  Royalty Lock · July 17, 2026
• publishingbusinessllc

  Do I need an LLC to be a music publisher?

  Short answer: no. You can collect 100% of both sides of your royalties without any business entity. Here is when an LLC actually helps.

  Royalty Lock · July 17, 2026