Comprehensive Guide to the Harry Fox Agency (HFA) and Its US-Based Alternatives

What is the Harry Fox Agency (HFA)?

The Harry Fox Agency is a premier mechanical licensing agent and provider of rights administration services in the U.S. They manage mechanical licenses for music publishers, ensuring that royalties are collected and distributed for the use of songs in physical formats, digital downloads, and streaming.

How do I use it?

To use HFA, you need to obtain a mechanical license if you plan to reproduce and distribute someone else's music. This can be done through their Songfile service, which allows you to search for songs and purchase licenses.

How do I sign up?

To sign up, you can visit the HFA website and create an account. If you're a DIY musician, you can apply for an HFA Online Account, which enables you to receive and enter into direct licenses for the use of your songs.

How much does it cost?

The cost of obtaining a mechanical license through HFA includes a per-song processing fee and royalties, which are set at the current U.S. statutory rate.

Website link

You can visit the Harry Fox Agency website here.

US-Based Alternatives to Harry Fox Agency

• Songtrust - A global music publishing administrator that allows artists to manage their music royalties from various sources, including digital streaming services, radio, and live performances. They offer a transparent and user-friendly platform.
• Ditto Music - An independent music distribution and record label services company that helps artists get their music on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Ditto Music also provides tools for managing royalties and promoting music.
• TuneRegistry - A music rights and metadata management platform designed for independent artists and rights holders to simplify the registration and administration of their music catalog. They offer comprehensive services for tracking and collecting royalties.
• BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) - A performance rights organization that represents songwriters, composers, and music publishers. BMI collects and distributes royalties for public performances of their music in venues, on radio, TV, and online.
• ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) - A membership-based performance rights organization that licenses and collects royalties for public performances of its members' music. ASCAP provides a wide range of resources and support for songwriters and composers.

Comparison of US-Based Music Licensing Companies