If you’re a songwriter who cares about how royalties are handled (or you know someone who does), The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) wants to hear from you.
The MLC is the organization responsible for administering the blanket compulsory license that allows digital music services to legally stream and download musical works. Since kicking off operations in 2021, The MLC has distributed nearly $3 billion in royalties. And here’s the kicker: that’s been done at no cost to songwriters or publishers.
Now, the organization is opening its doors—virtually speaking—for suggestions of songwriter candidates to serve on its Board of Directors, Dispute Resolution Committee, and Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee.
According to a statement from the company, “under the Music Modernization Act (MMA), certain governance positions at The MLC are reserved for representatives of songwriters.” And with several of those seats expiring later this year, it’s time to nominate the next wave of songwriter voices to step in.
Here’s what’s currently open:
- One songwriter seat on the Board of Directors
- Two songwriter seats on the Dispute Resolution Committee, which advises on how to handle royalties tied to ownership disputes
- One songwriter seat on the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee, which helps determine what to do with royalties that haven’t yet found their rightful home
All suggested names will be passed along to The MLC’s Songwriter Nominating Committee, which handles the selection process. Members serve three-year terms and can be re-elected. The meetings are regular, but participation can be remote, so no need to pack a suitcase.
The MLC notes that candidates for the Board must be professional songwriters who retain and license mechanical rights for their own work. Committee members are also expected to prepare and participate meaningfully.
In a landscape where conversations around music rights are quickly evolving, The MLC is offering songwriters a seat at the table. If you've got the experience and the interest, now’s the time to lean in.
If you’re ready to suggest someone (yourself included), you’ll need to do it by June 12, 2025. The suggestion form is available here.
