SODRAC has entered into a number of agreements with users of its worldwide repertoire and has had several tariff applications approved by the Copyright Board of Canada. SODRAC has also played a pioneering role in the Canadian copyright field, having negotiated various mechanical reproduction rights agreements whose benefits are reserved for SODRAC members.

Whether you’re a songwriter, composer or publisher, being a SODRAC member strengthens your negotiating position with the various users of your works, who are legally required to compensate you under the tariff and other agreements that we have negotiated and administer. SODRAC ensures that you get your fair share of your musical works’ success and pays the related royalties directly to you.

With the rise of digital media, the number of platforms on which music is reproduced has soared around the world. At the same time, this has complicated the process of copyright management. In today’s globalized market, it would be impossible for one person alone to monitor all of the ways in which his or her works are used and to claim fair financial compensation.

For a quick summary of the ways in which musical works are used and the corresponding royalty rates, please click here.

Quarterly royalty payments

Royalties are paid to SODRAC members quarterly, based on reports submitted by users (label companies, TV and radio broadcasters, on-line music services, DVD distributors, etc.). SODRAC members will receive payment if they accumulated at least $25 in royalties in the preceding quarter. Royalty cheques are mailed out on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year. It should be noted that there could be a delay of several months between when a work is used and when the user’s report is received.

Royalties paid for use of your musical works in Canada: If you have any questions, please contact the Distribution Department by email at distribution@sodrac.ca or by phone at (514) 845-3268, ext. 231.

Royalties paid for use of your musical works outside Canada: If you have any questions, please contact the agent responsible by email at international@sodrac.ca or by phone at (514) 845-3268, ext. 224.

Commissions

SODRAC charges a commission on the royalties it collects. This enables us to provide the following administrative services:

• documentation relating to SODRAC members’ works
• negotiating and issuing licenses and collecting royalty payments from users
• distributing Canadian and foreign copyright royalties to SODRAC members
• representing SODRAC members’ interests with national and international organizations, rights holders, legislative bodies and courts (in the event of legal disputes)

For further information, please email our Member Services Department or call (514) 845-3268, ext. 240.