Register as a Recording Artist

Aotearoa recording artists who perform on recordings but are not Rights Holders may, subject to certain conditions, elect to register in the Aotearoa Registered Artists Scheme.

If you are a self-releasing artist and own/control the copyright in your own sound recordings you should first register with us as a Rights Holder. If this is you, click here

Who is Eligible to Register as a Recording Artist?

Artists are eligible to register if they:

• Are a featured i.e. principal or named artist on a recording (not a session or contract musician, producer or DJ), either as a soloist or part of a group
• Are a New Zealand citizen or resident
• Have performed on a recording which has been registered with Recorded Music NZ by a Registered Rights Holder

Why Should I Register?

Provided the relevant Rights Holder has granted the requisite permissions to Recorded Music NZ, and the registration form is completed (see below), we can then distribute up to 50% of the income from recordings directly to the recording artist(s) via their nominated claimant.

The default position is that Recorded Music NZ pays 50% of revenues from a recording to the registered recording artist(s) and 50% to the Master Rights Holders (i.e. the owner or licensee of copyright).

The percentage split can be varied by agreement between the recording artist and Rights Holder but this must be notified to Recorded Music NZ via an amended distribution payment percentage form which must be completed, signed and agreed on by both the Recording Artist and Rights Holder.

If a Recording Artist chooses not to register, then all income received by Recorded Music NZ will be paid to the relevant Rights Holder. The Rights Holder may then agree separately to share the income with the recording artist. This would, however, be outside the scope of Recorded Music NZ’s activities.

How do I Register?

If you are a self-releasing artist and own/control the copyright in your own sound recordings you should first register with us as a Rights Holder. If this is you, click here

If you are a Recording Artist who is signed to a record label or another rights holder licenses/releases your recordings then you should register as a Recording Artist using the form below.

Pre-registration Checklist

To find out more about what’s involved in being a Registered Recording Artist, before registering with us and signing an Artist Registration form, you should read the following materials:

• Understanding your Rights & Obligations
• Understanding Music Copyright

Also note:

• Recording Artists need to declare one “nominated claimant” (which could be themselves) to receive their share of revenues and to access the soon to be launched myRecordedMusic Recording Artist portal
• The Artist Registration form will also need to be signed by the relevant Rights Holder, who may be your record label. Additionally, if a third party e.g. a manager is acting on your behalf as the nominated claimant this must also be signed by both the Recording Artist and Master Rights Holder

When do I need to Register by?

A Recording Artist's repertoire or tracks customarily need to be registered by 30 January each year to be included in the annual royalty distribution for the preceding year. We don’t pay out royalties retrospectively. We will always do our best to notify everyone of registration deadlines.

What Happens Next?

Once your registration has been received your account will be created and you will be issued a login when our new Recording Artist portal is live. You can then maintain your account/recording details and manage any royalty distributions accordingly.