How to get paid as a dance and electronic writer
Tips to maximise your earnings
- If you are a DJ, you need to complete Performance Reports to get paid for playing your original works. This is done by logging in to your APRA AMCOS account and telling us when, where and what you’ve played during your set. It is appreciated if you include all the tracks you have played when you submit your Reports.
- Don’t forget that you must first register your original works before you can submit a Performance Report, and that remixes are not automatically eligible for registration.
- Music Recognition Technology (MRT) is a tool – similar to Shazam, Music ID and Soundhound – where music is digitally fingerprinted and analysed using algorithms. APRA uses Dutch service DJ Monitor in nightclubs throughout Australia to recognise what DJs play. Tracks played are then reported to APRA and affiliated international performing rights organisations so they can pay writers for the performance of their works.
To maximise the chances of your music being identified if it’s played in an MRT venue, you should register for a DJ Monitor Uploader Account using your APRA membership number, and upload your recordings. - Direct Metadata Collection is different to MRT, in that it reads metadata directly from the DJ decks. APRA has been working with Pioneer DJ to install their KUVO technology in nightclubs around the country, to ensure more accurate distributions to dance and electronic writers. Because KUVO simply reads metadata as it’s stored on memory devices, the key to maximising matches is clean metadata on all of your digital files. Please ensure title, writer/composer, artist/performer and ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) information is correctly labelled.
For more information about the ISRC system, or to apply for an ISRC for your recordings, please email [email protected] or visit the ARIA site.
Final tip
- When submitting a Performance Report, all necessary information must be disclosed, including dates and set times on which performances took place, venues that hosted those performances, and the musical works and sound recordings performed.
- By agreeing to the Performance Report Terms, members declare and warrant to APRA that the information disclosed in the Performance Report is true and correct. It is important to note that APRA has the right to reject a claim if there is a reasonable basis to believe that any information provided in a Performance Report is incorrect or inaccurate, including in circumstances where APRA is unable to independently verify that information or where it is not supported by data that APRA holds.
- All members should ensure that Live Performance Reports payments are not rejected or unnecessarily delayed due to lodging incorrect or incomplete Performance Report declarations.
- For more information about Performance Reporting, please contact the APRA AMCOS Writer Services team.
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Frequently asked questions
What are Performance Reports?
If you play live at pubs, clubs, cafes, or other live music venues in Australia and New Zealand, you can get royalties for these performances by submitting a Performance Report.
Just tell us what songs you've performed in which venues, and you could be paid for playing your original music live. Please make sure you also tell us about any covers you perform so the original songwriters can get paid too.
You can submit your Performance Reports on-the-go via the APRA AMCOS for Music Creators App or in the Writer Portal. Download the app for free from the Apple App store, or from GooglePlay for Android.
What is a remix?
A remix is a sound recording that has been altered, edited or otherwise reworked to sound different from the original song. A remix typically features some parts or samples of the original recording (even if these samples are altered in any way) together with new material composed by the remixer.
Remixes are commissioned for a number of different reasons. This may be to target a different market e.g. a club remix of a commercial release for DJs to play in nightclubs, a radio friendly remix of a club track for commercial airplay, or even as a launch tool for an up-and-coming artist.
What is an ISRC and where can I get one?
The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is how your sound recordings and music video recordings are recognised wherever and whenever they're played. Adding your ISRCs to your work's registration details makes it easier for us to get you royalties quickly and accurately. However, an ISRC is not a compulsory requirement for an APRA work registration.
APRA AMCOS does not issue ISRCs, ARIA does. To find out more or apply for an ISRC, please email [email protected] or visit the ARIA website.
Can I earn royalties from digital downloads and streamed music?
Yes. Remember to register your works.
Digital royalties are paid out in our quarterly distributions. Writer members do not need to do any reporting, just register your works! However, adding ISRCs to your work registrations does assist us greatly.
We have licence agreements in place with most legal digital service providers (eg: Spotify, Apple Music). Traditionally, we would expect royalties to be paid out 6 months after streaming or download in Australia or New Zealand - depending on the reporting and processing lead times. Overseas royalties do take longer, as they must first be processed by our international affiliate societies. This can take 12-24 months, depending on the territory.
