Which organization typically collects digital performance royalties for sound recordings in the United States?

• A. PRS
• B. ASCAP
• C. SoundExchange
• D. BMI

Answer: (C)

Digital performance royalties for sound recordings in the United States are collected by SoundExchange. This organization handles the public performance of the actual recording (the master) on digital platforms, such as streaming services and satellite radio, and distributes those royalties to recording artists, labels, and other rights holders.

Understanding the distinction helps: performance royalties for the underlying song itself—its composition—are collected by performing rights organizations like ASCAP and BMI, which represent songwriters and publishers. PRS operates in the UK (and elsewhere outside the US). So, for the master recording’s digital performances in the US, SoundExchange is the appropriate collector.