Not a member yet? Join APRA AMCOS

Already started a Writer Member application? Continue

How to get paid as a dance and electronic writer

We’re now collecting data from many sources to ensure our royalty payments to dance and electronic writers are as accurate as possible.

Tips to maximise your earnings:

  • If you are a DJ, you need to complete Performance Reports to get paid for playing your original works. This is done by logging in to your APRA AMCOS account and telling us when, where and what you’ve played during your set. It is appreciated if you include all the tracks you have played when you submit your Reports.
  • Don’t forget that you must first register your original works before you can submit a Performance Report, and that remixes are not automatically eligible for registration.
  • Music Recognition Technology (MRT) is a tool – similar to Shazam, Music ID and Soundhound – where music is digitally fingerprinted and analysed using algorithms. APRA uses Dutch service DJ Monitor in nightclubs throughout Australia to recognise what DJs play. Tracks played are then reported to APRA and affiliated international performing rights organisations so they can pay writers for the performance of their works.

    To maximise the chances of your music being identified if it’s played in an MRT venue, you should register for a DJ Monitor Uploader Account using your APRA membership number, and upload your recordings.
  • Direct Metadata Collection is different to MRT, in that it reads metadata directly from the DJ decks. APRA has been working with Pioneer DJ to install their KUVO technology in nightclubs around the country, to ensure more accurate distributions to dance and electronic writers. Because KUVO simply reads metadata as it’s stored on memory devices, the key to maximising matches is clean metadata on all of your digital files. Please ensure title, writer/composer, artist/performer and ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) information is correctly labelled.

    For more information about the ISRC system, or to apply for an ISRC for your recordings, please email [email protected] or visit the Recorded Music NZ site.

Need more information?

Get in touch with the APRA AMCOS Member Services team: 0800 69 2772 or [email protected]. We’re here to help!

Frequently asked questions

What are Performance Reports?

If you play live at pubs, clubs, cafes, or other live music venues in New Zealand and Australia, you can get royalties for these performances by submitting a Performance Report.

Just tell us what songs you've performed in which venues, and you could be paid for playing your original music live. Please make sure you also tell us about any covers you perform so the original songwriters can get paid too.

You can submit your Performance Reports on-the-go via the APRA AMCOS for Music Creators App or in the Writer Portal. Download the app for free from the Apple App store, or from GooglePlay for Android.

What is a remix?

A remix is a sound recording that has been altered, edited or otherwise reworked to sound different from the original song. A remix typically features some parts or samples of the original recording (even if these samples are altered in any way) together with new material composed by the remixer.

Remixes are commissioned for a number of different reasons. This may be to target a different market e.g. a club remix of a commercial release for DJs to play in nightclubs, a radio friendly remix of a club track for commercial airplay, or even as a launch tool for an up-and-coming artist.

What is an ISRC and where can I get one?

The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is the international identification system for sound recordings and music video recordings. APRA AMCOS does not issue ISRCs. Recorded Music NZ is the International Standard Recording Code national agency, and it administers ISRCs. For more information about the ISRC system, or to apply for an ISRC for your recordings, please visit Recorded Music NZ.

Please supply all your ISRCs to APRA AMCOS by adding to your works registration details. ISRCs are used by APRA AMCOS to assist in matching work details reported to us by Digital Service Providers for digital download sales. ISRC information therefore assists in maximising the download royalties we can pay to our members.

Can I earn royalties from digital downloads and streamed music?

Yes. Remember to register your works.

Digital royalties are paid out in our quarterly distributions. Writer members do not need to do any reporting, just register your works! However, adding ISRCs to your work registrations does assist us greatly.

We have licence agreements in place with most legal digital service providers (eg: Spotify, Apple Music). Traditionally, we would expect royalties to be paid out 6 months after streaming or download in New Zealand or Australia - depending on the reporting and processing lead times. Overseas royalties do take longer, as they must first be processed by our international affiliate societies. This can take 12-24 months, depending on the territory.

Browse FAQs

Stay up to date with APRA AMCOS

APRA AMCOS answers your FAQs