BMI Live

BMI announced earlier this month that it has created a a new program for performing songwriters, “BMI LIVE,” which allows their writers to register their set list online and be paid the performance royalties for the concert performance, no matter the size of the venue.

The first payment is scheduled for BMI’s June distribution and will cover those performances from July 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 which are entered before March 30, 2011.

I know that SESAC has had a similar program for some time and I presume ASCAP has something similar in existence or in the works. As revenue streams continue to shift for artists, this is a welcome development and if you are a BMI writer/performer, I urge you not to ignore it.