Symphonic Distribution can help collect mechanical royalties, but not automatically with their standard distribution service. To collect mechanical royalties, you'll need to opt into their Publishing Administration add-on service, which is offered through their Symphonic Publishing division.
Let’s break this down clearly so you understand how Symphonic handles mechanical royalties, when it applies, and what you need to do to collect them.
? What Are Mechanical Royalties?
Mechanical royalties are generated every time your composition (not just the recording) is reproduced, downloaded, or streamed. That includes:
Streams on Spotify, Apple Music, etc. (both U.S. and international)
Digital downloads on platforms like iTunes
Physical formats (CDs, vinyl, etc.)
International sales and streams, where mechanicals are often paid separately
These royalties belong to songwriters and publishers, not necessarily the performer or producer—unless you wrote the song and own the publishing rights.
?? Does Symphonic Collect Mechanical Royalties?
Only if you sign up for their publishing service.
Here's the distinction:
| Symphonic Service | Mechanical Royalties Collected? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Distribution | ? No | Collects recording royalties only (master rights) |
| Publishing Administration | ? Yes | Collects songwriter royalties (mechanicals + performance) |
To get mechanicals, you need to opt in to Symphonic Publishing.
?? What Is Symphonic Publishing?
Symphonic Publishing is an optional, paid service where Symphonic acts as your publishing administrator. That means they will:
Register your compositions with global collection societies (e.g., The MLC in the U.S., SACEM, GEMA, PRS, etc.)
Collect mechanical royalties from digital platforms
Collect performance royalties from PROs (e.g., ASCAP, BMI, SESAC)
Handle royalties for sync placements, radio play, and more
You retain 100% of ownership, but Symphonic takes a cut (typically 20%) of the royalties they collect as your admin.
?? Important: This service is not automatically included in the main Symphonic Distribution package. You must apply separately and agree to their publishing terms.
?? What Kind of Royalties Does Symphonic Help You Collect?
| Royalty Type | Collected by Default? | Via Publishing Add-On? |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify/Apple streams (master) | ? Yes | ? Yes |
| YouTube monetization (audio/video) | ? Yes | ? Yes |
| Sync licensing royalties | ? If sync placement secured | ? Yes |
| Mechanical royalties (downloads/streams) | ? No | ? Yes |
| Performance royalties (radio, public play) | ? No | ? Yes |
| International mechanicals | ? No | ? Yes |
?? Should You Use Symphonic to Collect Mechanical Royalties?
You should consider Symphonic Publishing if:
You’re a self-published songwriter (i.e., you wrote your own material)
Your music is streaming or being downloaded regularly
You don’t already use a publishing admin like Songtrust, Sentric, or CD Baby Pro
You want one dashboard to manage all your publishing + distribution earnings
If you’re already registered with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP or BMI, that’s great—but they don’t collect mechanical royalties in the U.S. That’s where Symphonic’s publishing service (which includes MLC registration) comes in.
?? How to Sign Up for Symphonic Publishing
Log in to your SymphonicMS dashboard
Navigate to the “Publishing” section
Fill out the application form (you may need to provide ISRC/ISWC codes, songs, co-writer splits)
Wait for approval from the Symphonic Publishing team
Once accepted, they will begin registering your compositions worldwide
? Conclusion: Yes, But Only Through Publishing Admin
So, does Symphonic Distribution collect mechanical royalties?
Yes — but only if you enroll in their Publishing Administration service. Standard distribution won’t cover it.
If you’re serious about maximizing your music income—not just from streams, but from your songwriting rights—Symphonic’s publishing service is a solid, streamlined way to collect global mechanical and performance royalties without needing a separate publisher.
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