SESAC is the smallest of the three major US performing rights organisations — and the only one that is invitation-only. UK artists typically collect US performance royalties through PRS's reciprocal agreements with ASCAP and BMI, but understanding where SESAC fits in is important for artists with significant US exposure.
What SESAC is
SESAC (originally the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers, though it has long since dropped that designation) is one of three performing rights organisations in the United States, alongside ASCAP and BMI. Unlike ASCAP and BMI, which operate as open membership organisations that any songwriter or publisher can join, SESAC is invitation-only — it selectively represents a smaller roster of writers and publishers. SESAC was founded in 1930 and is now owned by Blackstone Group. It represents a significant catalogue of pop, rock, country, gospel, and classical works, including some major-name songwriters. Its invitation-only model means it can focus on higher-earning catalogues and offer more attentive administration to its members than the larger open organisations.
How UK artists typically collect US royalties — and where SESAC fits
Most UK artists collect US performance royalties through PRS for Music's reciprocal agreements with ASCAP and BMI. When your music is broadcast or publicly performed in the United States, either ASCAP or BMI collects the royalty (depending on which organisation has licensed the venue or broadcaster) and passes the UK share to PRS via the reciprocal agreement. PRS then distributes it to your account. SESAC operates separately — it does not have the same reciprocal arrangement structure with PRS as ASCAP and BMI. For most UK artists, SESAC is not directly relevant. However, if you are invited to join SESAC (which may be offered to artists with significant US commercial success), you would need to choose between SESAC membership and your PRS affiliation, as you cannot be affiliated with multiple US PROs simultaneously.
SESAC's digital performance rights — a different model
SESAC is notable for its approach to licensing digital platforms. It has negotiated direct licensing deals with major streaming platforms and digital services that give it more control over its members' digital royalties than the blanket licensing model used by ASCAP and BMI. For SESAC members, this can mean faster processing and potentially different rates for digital performances. For UK artists who are PRS members and not SESAC affiliates, US digital performance royalties from US streaming activity flow through the PRS-ASCAP and PRS-BMI reciprocal agreements as normal.
SoundExchange — often confused with SESAC
Many UK artists searching for information about SESAC are actually looking for SoundExchange, which handles a different type of US royalty. SoundExchange is the US digital performance rights organisation for sound recordings — it collects royalties for performers and record labels (neighbouring rights) from US digital services including Pandora, SiriusXM, and internet radio stations. SoundExchange is distinct from SESAC, ASCAP, and BMI, which collect for songwriters. UK artists with US digital radio airplay must register directly with SoundExchange to claim this income — PPL does not have a reciprocal agreement with SoundExchange. Registration at soundexchange.com is free.
When SESAC becomes relevant for UK artists
SESAC is typically only directly relevant to UK artists in two scenarios. First, if you have achieved significant commercial success in the US market and receive an invitation from SESAC to affiliate, you would need to evaluate whether SESAC's model offers advantages over your current PRS membership structure for your US income. This requires specialist advice and a careful comparison of the financial terms. Second, if you are a publisher or administrator who works with SESAC-affiliated writers in the US, understanding SESAC's administrative model is relevant to how you interact with their US catalogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join SESAC as a UK artist?
SESAC is open to international affiliates, but membership is by invitation only. If you receive an invitation, be aware that joining SESAC would affect your existing PRO affiliations, as you can only be affiliated with one US PRO at a time. Obtain specialist legal and publishing advice before making any changes.
Does PRS have a reciprocal agreement with SESAC?
PRS has reciprocal agreements with ASCAP and BMI for US performance royalties. Its relationship with SESAC is more limited due to SESAC's selective membership model. For most UK artists, US royalties flow through the PRS-ASCAP and PRS-BMI reciprocal arrangements.
How is SESAC different from ASCAP and BMI?
ASCAP and BMI are open membership organisations — any songwriter or publisher can join. SESAC is invitation-only, operates on a for-profit basis (unlike ASCAP and BMI which are non-profit), and typically works with a smaller but higher-earning roster. SESAC's selective model allows it to offer more focused administration for its affiliates.
What should I do if I have US airplay and am not receiving US royalties?
First, confirm that your works are correctly registered with PRS including full publisher details. Then check your PRS statements for ASCAP and BMI distributions, which should appear 12 to 24 months after the US usage. Also register with SoundExchange separately for US digital performance royalties. If royalties are still not appearing, a publishing administrator can investigate the specific US collection channels.
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