Before you submit your first single anywhere, there's groundwork to lay. This guide walks you through it — step by step.
Skipping these steps means leaving money on the table before your music even reaches a listener. Each step builds on the last.
Whether you're a solo artist or a band, you need a legal business identity. This protects you, separates your finances, and is required by many royalty organizations. Start by deciding if you're operating as a sole proprietor, LLC, or partnership. Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) through the IRS — it's free and required for W-9 forms you'll sign with PROs and distributors.
Even if you write your own songs, you are both the songwriter AND the publisher. Many artists don't know this — and they leave half their royalties uncollected for years. Register as a BMI publisher so your publishing royalties don't sit unclaimed. BMI is free for songwriters and pays both the writer and publisher share.
Registering with a PRO like BMI handles performance royalties — but mechanical royalties (streaming, downloads) are collected separately. A publishing administrator like Songtrust registers your songs globally across dozens of collection societies so you get paid worldwide. This is especially important for Tejano artists with listeners across the U.S., Mexico, and Latin America.
Since 2021, the MLC is the official U.S. body that collects mechanical royalties from digital streaming platforms — Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and others. If you're not registered, the money sits in a pool. It does not automatically go to you. This step is free and critical for any artist releasing music digitally.
Your distributor is how your music gets to Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Pandora, and Tejano-specific platforms. Not all distributors are created equal — some take a percentage of your royalties, others charge a flat annual fee. Research the options and choose one that fits your budget and release goals. Make sure your ISRC codes are assigned before delivery.
The Latin GRAMMYs have specific eligibility windows and submission processes. Many artists miss nominations simply because they weren't aware of the calendar or hadn't joined as members. Start building your media footprint now — press releases, radio airplay, and streaming numbers all contribute to your profile when nomination season arrives.
Before submitting your first single to any platform, entity, or radio station, confirm each of these is done.
Required for W-9 forms with every royalty organization
Free — handles public performance royalties
Separate from songwriter — captures publisher share
Required to receive payments from BMI
So royalty checks actually reach your account
Collects digital mechanical royalties from all major DSPs
Global song registration across international societies
ISRC codes assigned before first release
Latin Recording Academy — opens door to GRAMMY eligibility
Hand-picked guides from trusted industry sources to go deeper on each topic.
Step-by-step walkthrough for independent artists registering works with BMI for the first time.
Read the guide →Official Recording Academy guide for media company registration and online entry submissions.
View OEP guide →Comprehensive side-by-side breakdown of today's major music distribution platforms and their terms.
Compare platforms →Everything you need to know about registering with the Mechanical Licensing Collective as an independent artist.
Visit the MLC →Join the QvoRadio Tejano Music Co-op — connect with other artists, access media outlets, and get your music heard.
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