The invite-only US PRO. Smaller, more selective, and known for higher per-performance payouts.
SESAC originally stood for "Society of European Stage Authors and Composers," but today it's simply known as SESAC. It's the smallest of the three US performing rights organizations (PROs), alongside ASCAP and BMI.
Unlike ASCAP and BMI, SESAC is invite-only — you can't just sign up. It's a for-profit company (owned by Blackstone Group) that selectively recruits songwriters and publishers.
SESAC is known for offering more personalized service, potentially higher per-performance royalty rates, and faster payments (monthly instead of quarterly). The trade-off: exclusivity. You sign a term contract and can't belong to another PRO at the same time.
SESAC is for songwriters and publishers who are invited or actively recruited. SESAC scouts talent — they look for writers with growing catalogs, chart activity, or streaming traction.
You don't browse a sign-up page. Instead, SESAC representatives identify promising writers and reach out. That said, you can also request consideration by contacting SESAC directly.
SESAC collects performance royalties whenever your songs are publicly performed. The same types as ASCAP and BMI, but with a key advantage: monthly payments instead of quarterly.
You don't apply to SESAC the way you would to ASCAP or BMI. Here's how the process actually works:
Here's how SESAC stacks up against the other two US PROs:
| SESAC | ASCAP | BMI | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access | Invite-only | Open enrollment | Open enrollment |
| Fee | None | $50 | Free |
| Payment | Monthly | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Size | ~30K affiliates | 920K+ members | 1.4M+ affiliates |
| Contract | Exclusive term (3-5 yrs) | At-will | At-will |
The smaller affiliate base means SESAC can offer more individualized attention. Many affiliates report higher per-performance rates and a more responsive support experience. However, the exclusive contract means you're locked in for the term.
Not in the traditional sense. SESAC is invite-only, but you can request consideration by reaching out through their website at sesac.com. Having a solid catalog and some traction makes a difference.
It depends. SESAC is often praised for higher per-performance rates, monthly payments, and more personal service. But the exclusive contract and invite-only model aren't for everyone. For most starting out, ASCAP or BMI is the practical first step.
Yes, but you must first resign from your current PRO. ASCAP allows resignation with 3 months' notice effective at the end of the year. BMI requires written notice. You cannot be affiliated with two PROs simultaneously.
When your term expires, you can re-negotiate and sign a new agreement, or you're free to leave and join ASCAP or BMI. SESAC will continue to collect royalties earned during your contract period but won't collect new ones after it ends.
Don't wait. Every day without a PRO is money left on the table. Join ASCAP or BMI now and start collecting. If SESAC approaches you later, you can evaluate switching when your current affiliation allows.
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