The modern music industry is a complex ecosystem involving various stakeholders, from artists and producers to distributors and listeners. Among these numerous players, the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) and Tidal stand out as essential components in the world of music royalties and digital streaming platforms.
The MLC is an organization established to manage the collection and distribution of digital mechanical royalties in the United States. Created as a result of the Music Modernization Act (MMA) of 2018, the MLC serves as a bridge between digital streaming services and music rights holders. Its primary objective is to ensure that songwriters, composers, and publishers receive their due royalties for the reproduced works. The MLC accomplishes this by maintaining an authoritative database of musical works, tracking usage, and facilitating royalty payments from digital service providers.
The MLC's core responsibilities include:
This systematic approach to royalty management has significantly streamlined the process, reducing the chances of errors and ensuring timely payments to rights holders.
Tidal is a digital streaming platform known for its high-fidelity audio and exclusive content. Launched in 2014, Tidal was acquired by hip-hop mogul Jay-Z in 2015, marking its rise to prominence in the music streaming market. Tidal offers a unique combination of premium sound quality, video content, and curated playlists, catering to audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.
Tidal stands out from other streaming platforms due to its focus on high-resolution audio and artist-curated content. Some key features include:
These features make Tidal an attractive platform for both listeners and artists seeking high-quality audio streaming and specialized content.
The MLC and Tidal intersect in the realm of digital mechanical royalties. When a song is streamed on Tidal, mechanical royalties are generated, which the MLC is responsible for collecting and distributing. This symbiotic relationship ensures that rights holders receive accurate payments for their works, thus enhancing the health of the music industry ecosystem.
To navigate the complexities of music distribution and royalty collection, platforms like SoundOn offer comprehensive solutions. SoundOn helps artists build their careers by connecting them with fans through TikTok and other digital streaming platforms, including Tidal.
By registering with SoundOn, artists can leverage a global distribution service that simplifies the submission process to DSPs and ensures their music reaches wider audiences. SoundOn also provides valuable marketing tools and analytics, empowering artists to optimize their promotional strategies and build stronger connections with their listeners.
If you are an artist looking to maximize your reach and streamline your royalty collections, here are the steps to get started with SoundOn:
Understanding the roles of the MLC and Tidal within the music industry is crucial for artists seeking to optimize their royalty collections and audience reach. By leveraging platforms like SoundOn, artists can navigate this complex landscape with ease, ensuring their music reaches the right ears while receiving accurate royalties. SoundOn’s comprehensive services not only simplify the distribution process but also empower artists with the tools they need to succeed in today's dynamic music market.
Whether you are an emerging artist or an established musician, partnering with SoundOn can help you streamline your music distribution and connect with a global audience, making the process of getting your music heard simpler and more efficient.