FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I register my band name? expand

A: You can register the name as a business name through the appropriate department in your state or territory (view list), not with APRA. You may also wish to consider registering the name as a trademark, although this is a costly and more lengthy process.

How do I protect my interests when working with co-writers? expand

A: It is best to have a clear written agreement that states the nature of your collaboration. See Working with Co-Writers (pdf)

I want to give my songs to someone to perform. How do I do this? expand

A: There are no set rules. Perhaps join one of the many songwriting associations around Australia (see Industry Contacts), contact a publisher with a special interest in the type of music you write, or approach a band or singer directly to see if they like your material. Networking is your best option.

A band is performing my songs. Can they do this without my permission? expand

Yes, in most cases they can. The venue in which the band plays must hold an APRA licence; it is not the responsibility of the individual bands. The APRA licence gives the venue a blanket licence to authorise the performance of all copyright music.

One of my songs is available for sale online as a digital download. Am I entitled to a royalty? expand

It depends.  Unfortunately, there are many illegal download services (including P2P services) – for example, Limewire, eDonkey and mp3fiesta – which are unlicensed.  You should not expect to receive royalties from the use of your music on these sites or services. 

If the digital music service is licensed by APRA|AMCOS then there are two types of royalties that you may be entitled to. Firstly, there's the communication royalty collected by APRA for the making available online and/or electronic transmission of the work to the customer's computer. Secondly, a reproduction royalty is also generated and collected by AMCOS covering the reproduction of the song to the customer's hard drive or mobile phone.

For APRA|AMCOS to collect and distribute these royalties on your behalf, you will need to be a member of both APRA and AMCOS. You can help APRA|AMCOS by ensuring that you register your new works before they are sold on the internet and by always listing the name of your recording act when registering.

My song has been put out on a CD compilation album. How do I collect what is due to me? expand

Generally speaking, whoever authorises the making of the CD is liable to each songwriter on the recording for the payment of mechanical royalties – i.e. royalties generated from the manufacture of the CD. Normally, this will be the band that has recorded the CD, or their record label (sometimes it may be their distributor). 

If you are not an AMCOS (Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society) member, or your works are not represented by an AMCOS member (e.g. a music publisher), then you can collect these directly from the record company or the artist as the case may be. Or, you can choose to become a member of AMCOS and APRA|AMCOS will then seek to collect the royalties on your behalf (subject to any prior arrangements you may have made). 

More information on AMCOS membership.

I have performed on an album for a friend. What are they supposed to pay? expand

A: Whatever you agree to as a suitable fee. The Media & Entertainment Arts Alliance (MEAA) will be able to advise the current rate for a recording session which should give you a starting point for your negotiations. Tel 02 9333 0999 Fax 02 9333 0933 Email meaa@alliance.aust.com

I have made a CD that I sell at venues. Am I supposed to go through AMCOS for the mechanical royalties? expand

 If all the tracks on the CD are your originals and you are not an AMCOS member, or your works are not represented by an AMCOS member, the answer is no. If however:

  • the CD includes covers of someone else's songs; and/or
  • you are represented by an AMCOS member (e.g. a music publisher),

you must obtain a licence from AMCOS to manufacture the relevant number of copies of the CD. Find out more in Making Recordings.
 

I want to make a CD that will include covers of other people's songs - do I need a licence to do this? expand

Yes. You will need to obtain an AMCOS licence if you want to make a recording of a song composed by another writer. Find out more in Making Recordings.

I have a dispute with a co-writer over a work - the co-writer is also an APRA member. Can APRA help me resolve this dispute? expand

A: Disputes over royalty entitlements are expensive, time consuming and often left unresolved. APRA is concerned about such disputes between its members and has established an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system to assist both Writer and Publisher members.

I have a complaint about APRA - how can I resolve this? expand

A: APRA has a Complaints Handling Policy and Procedure that will ensure that any complaints received by APRA|AMCOS are handled in an efficient, transparent and fair manner. Click here to read our Complaints Procedure.

I am a member of APRA . Can I opt-out of certain licences or can I licence-back a work so that I can negotiate the terms for its performance directly myself for a special occasion? expand

Yes you can. For further information, go to Managing Your Rights.

I am a member of AMCOS. Can I arrange to collect my reproduction royalties directly from record labels or other companies/individuals who reproduce my musical works? expand

Yes. As a member of AMCOS you have various opt out and licence-back arrangements available to you, which may be able to meet your needs. Please contact your APRA|AMCOS writer services representative to discuss in more detail.

I'm a little confused about what Publishers do and Publishing deals... expand

Please read the full Publishing Fact Sheet (pdf). If you have any further questions about publishing, contact Publisher Services on publisher@apra.com.au or call1800 642 63.

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