5 Steps to Register and Protect Your Song — What I Did for I Surrender

You just finished recording your song.

Now what?

Most independent artists skip these steps. Then wonder why they're not getting paid.

I just went through this process myself for my new single I Surrender — out this Friday August 7th. Here's exactly what I did step by step.

Step 1 — Split Sheets

If you wrote the song with a co-writer — you need a split sheet before you do anything else.

A split sheet is a document that establishes who wrote what and what percentage of ownership each person holds. It should include each co-writer's name, email address, PRO ID number, and their ownership percentage.

Sign it. Date it. Before you register anything.

If you wrote the song by yourself — skip this step and move straight to Step 2.

Step 2 — Your PRO — Performing Rights Organization

ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. You can only be with one — choose wisely.

Your PRO collects performance royalties for you every time your song plays publicly — on radio, in a live venue, on streaming platforms, in a restaurant, in a store. Anywhere your music is performed publicly.

Register your writer account first. Then your publisher account. They go together and they have different ID numbers.

Important — only one person can register a song per PRO. If you have co-writers make sure you coordinate who is registering before anyone files anything.

Step 3 — The MLC — Mechanical Licensing Collective

Go to themlc.com.

Every time someone streams your song on Spotify or Apple Music — you're owed a mechanical royalty. The MLC is the organization that collects those royalties and distributes them to songwriters and publishers.

If you're with DistroKid, CD Baby Pro, Symphonic, or Song Trust — they may handle MLC registration for you. But they take a percentage — typically around 15%. If you're fully independent like I am — register yourself directly at themlc.com.

Step 4 — SoundExchange

Go to soundexchange.com.

SoundExchange collects digital performance royalties specifically for non-interactive streaming — Pandora, SiriusXM, internet radio stations. This is different from Spotify and Apple Music which are covered by the MLC.

Register every version of your song. Original mix. Radio edit. Extended mix. Club mix. All of them. Each version is a separate registration and each one is money you're owed when it plays.

Step 5 — The Copyright Office

Go to copyright.gov — but do this after your song releases.

You'll submit two things separately — the composition and the sound recording. These are two distinct copyrights and both need to be registered independently.

The reason to register after release rather than before — registering post-release establishes your official release date on the copyright record. That date matters if you ever need to defend your copyright in court.

Your song is automatically protected by copyright from the moment of creation. But registering with the Copyright Office gives you stronger legal remedies — including the ability to claim statutory damages and attorney fees — if someone infringes your music.

The Honest Disclaimer

This is not legal advice.

This is my own experience as an independent artist going through this process for I Surrender. Every situation is different. If you have questions about your specific circumstances — speak with a music attorney or contact your PRO directly.

Why This Matters

The music industry will not chase you down and hand you money you're owed.

You have to know the system. Register your work. Claim your royalties.

Most independent artists skip all five of these steps. Then they wonder why their streaming numbers aren't translating into income.

Don't leave money on the table.

I Surrender — Out Friday August 7th

I went through all five of these steps this week for I Surrender featuring Madalina Cretu.

Out this Friday August 7th on all streaming platforms.

Pre-save now: paradise.ffm.to/ptl008

And if you're in Houston — come see me open for Morgan Page at Warehouse Live Midtown that same night. 🙏🏽