What are Artist Royalties?

Royalties are the artist's (or participant's) share of the revenue collected by the record company for the various uses (exploitations) of master recordings. The artist's share is calculated in accordance with an underlying contract.

What are Producer Royalties?

Producers frequently receive a share of the artist's royalties granted by the artist under a Letter of Direction. The record company cannot pay the producer until the artist submits that letter unless the producer has a direct agreement with the record company.

What are Copyright (Mechanical) Royalties?

Copyright royalties are a music publishing company's share of the revenue collected by the record company for various exploitations of copyrighted songs on master recordings. The copyright royalties are paid in accordance with licenses issued by the publisher. They may also be paid in accordance with the copyright license provisions of the artist contract (if the artist is also the songwriter) or the artist's agreement with the producer (if the producer is also the songwriter).

Why have I not been paid my copyright royalties?

It may be that we are waiting for the return of a mechanical license from your publisher. Please check with your publisher to insure that the license has been sent.

My statement shows a positive balance but I didn't receive a check.

Chances are you are a producer and although you have recouped your advance, your account is contractually not payable until the artist has recouped the total costs of the tracks you produced. Please call the Royalty Help Line at 1-800-439-9175 to verify your account status.

I have questions about my statement. Who can help me?

If you leave a message with the Royalty Help Line (1-800-439-9175), a real person will call you back within 48 hours. It helps if you provide your account number, if you know it, the label that released your product, and a detailed description of your question.

You may also contact us by email at RoyaltyHelp@umusic.com. Please include your phone number in case we need to speak with you to answer your inquiry

I want to audit my royalty statements. What do I need to do?

Please send us a letter authorizing your auditor to schedule an appointment.

Royalty Department
PO Box 3982
North Hollywood, CA 91609
Attn: Audit Department

How do I change an address?

See the address change instructions on this website: contact us

How does UMG pay artist royalties on Internet Sales?

On permanent downloads UMG pays 100% of the artist or producer album royalty rates under the applicable agreement with no packaging deduction.

How do I distinguish digital products from physical products on my royalty statement?

Digital products are identified by an alphanumeric ISRC number as the selection number and will show a configuration code of ID on the royalty statement.

Why are my earnings so low?

Earnings may fluctuate depending on the level of sales or exploitations. UMG pays royalties in accordance with the artist contract following collection of revenue.

Why are the units on my statement lower than the units I see on SoundScan?

SoundScan units are compiled through a combination of point-of-sale data and extrapolation, and may not represent actual sales. Also, SoundScan does not always represent an accurate measure of royalty bearing units under your contract or license.

I would like a more detailed explanation of certain costs deducted from my statement?

Please email your question to RoyaltyHelp@umusic.com or call the Royalty Helpline at 1-800-439-9175.

I didn't receive my statement for the last period. Can you send it to me?

Please send an email to RoyaltyHelp@umusic.com verifying your address or call the Royalty Helpline at 1-800-439-9175 so that we can verify your address directly.