Canadian Music Royalty Guide: Maximizing Your Earnings

In 2026, streaming is only one part of your income. Canadian artists have access to a complex but rewarding system of royalties that can significantly boost your bottom line. If you aren't registered with all of these organizations, you are leaving money on the table.

1. SOCAN (Performing Rights)

SOCAN collects royalties when your music is performed in public—this includes club plays, radio, and live sets. Ensure every track you release is registered here. If you are touring, you can also submit your setlists to SOCAN to collect "Live" royalties for your own performances.

2. Re:Sound (Neighboring Rights)

Re:Sound collects royalties for the public performance of the recording itself. This is separate from the songwriting royalties collected by SOCAN. As both a producer and a performer, you are entitled to a share of these funds. Registration is free and essential.

3. Connect Music Licensing / SOPROQ

These organizations manage the licensing of your music for use in other media (TV, film, sync) and also handle the reproduction rights for labels. If you are running your own imprint, you must be a member to collect these "Master" royalties.

4. Private Copying Royalties

Canada has a unique system that collects a levy on the sale of blank recording media (like CDs). A portion of this fund is distributed to artists and songwriters. It’s a small but consistent income stream that many independent artists overlook.

Vernon's Royalty Take: Use a service like "Songtrust" or "Sentric" to handle your global publishing administration. They have the reach to collect royalties from every corner of the globe that your local organizations might miss. In the digital era, your music is global—your royalty collection should be too.