ASCAP has announced its distribution of approximately $2.2 million in cash awards to writer members for 2011 - 2012 through its ASCAP Plus Awards program. As the first performing rights organization in the U.S., ASCAP was also the first to create a special distribution of this kind in 1960, and today it remains the largest.
For over 50 years, these special awards have recognized writer members each year for substantial performance activity in media and venues that are not included in performance surveys, or whose works have unique prestige value. The program has also been an inspiration to members just starting out to persevere in advancing their music careers. More than 4,200 songwriter and composer members of ASCAP received Plus Awards in their January 2012 disbursement.
In October 2012, ASCAP will launch its OnStage program. OnStage will allow songwriters whose performance activity is largely through live shows and club dates to easily submit their activity online throughout the year and receive payment quarterly based on eligible performances.
The recipients of the Plus Awards are determined by reviewing the recent activity generated by each applicant’s catalog in the context of all other applicants’ activity. There are three divisions of the program, which include Pop (Cabaret, Children’s, Country, Electronica, Folk, Hawaiian, Hip Hop/Rap, Jazz, Latin, Musical Theatre, Pop, R&B/Soul, Religious and Rock); Film/TV Score (written specifically for the audio/visual spectrum); and Concert/Classical Music (Symphonic, Chamber, Instrumental, Choral, Vocal, Electroacoustic, Opera, Liturgical and Educational).
ASCAP songwriters and composers that received less than $25,000 in domestic performance royalties in the previous calendar year are eligible to apply, and can do so with the online application via Member Access. The deadline for submissions is July 1st, 2012.
For more information about the ASCAP Plus Awards program, please visit www.ascap.com/ascapplus.