Eligibility, fees and how we collect your royalties.
Eligibility
What are neighbouring rights?
When a recording is played on the radio or TV, or in public places like clubs, bars, shops and gyms, royalties are owed to the people who performed on it and to whoever owns the recording. These are neighbouring rights. They're separate from songwriting and publishing royalties.
Who can join Relay Rights?
Performers (featured artists, session musicians, backing vocalists, and DJs and producers who perform on their records) and master owners (labels and artists who own their recordings). Management companies can also work with us for the artists they represent.
Do I need to be signed to a label?
No. Independent artists and self-releasing performers are owed neighbouring rights royalties just like signed artists.
I wasn't the main artist on the record. Am I still owed?
Usually, yes. Non-featured performers, such as session musicians and backing vocalists, are entitled to a share too. Featured or not, if you played on it, we'll check what you're owed.
I'm already registered with a collecting society. Can I still use Relay?
In most cases, yes. Tell us which societies you're already registered with when you apply, and we'll explain how we'd work alongside them.
Fees
How much does Relay Rights cost?
We take a 10% commission on the royalties we collect for you. There are no monthly fees and nothing to pay upfront. We only get paid when you do.
Are there currency conversion fees?
No. We collect from societies around the world and bring your royalties together in one place with no currency conversion costs.
What about tax and other deductions?
Some collecting societies apply withholding taxes or their own deductions before they pay out. Those are applied by the societies, not by Relay, and your statements show what you received.
Collecting royalties
How do you collect my royalties?
We identify and organise your recordings, register them with collecting societies worldwide, then collect what each society pays and bring it together in your Relay account.
Can you claim royalties from previous years?
Often, yes. We backdate claims for unclaimed historical royalties wherever a society allows it. How far back we can go depends on each society's rules.
How long does it take to get paid?
Collecting societies pay on their own schedules, often once or a few times a year, so first payments can take a while after registration. Once royalties reach your account, you can withdraw them whenever you like.
How do I get paid?
Collected royalties become available in your Relay account, and you withdraw them directly to your bank.
Can I see what I've earned?
Yes. Your dashboard shows what each recording earned, where it was earned and which society paid it, and you can download your statements.
How do I get started?
Fill in the short Start Collecting form. We'll review your details and get back to you by email to set up your account.