Performance Rights Clearance Analyzer
Identify and clear all musical performance rights before public events, broadcasts, and recordings
What You Can Do
This skill guides you through identifying every rights holder involved in a specific performance—from performance rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) to mechanical rights societies and synchronization licensors. You'll document clearance chains, calculate licensing costs, and create compliance checklists tailored to your performance context (live venue, broadcast, recording, or streaming). The result is a complete rights clearance map that protects both performers and venues from infringement liability.
Features
Map all ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and independent publishers tied to your repertoire
Different processes for live events, broadcasts, recordings, and international performances
Estimate fees based on venue size, audience, performance duration, and territory
Create audit trails and compliance records that protect against disputes
Build and maintain searchable catalogs of licensed works with expiration dates and restrictions
Handle filmed performances, music videos, and derivative work licensing
Structured process for responding to infringement claims and licensing gaps
Navigate licensing requirements across different countries and performing rights societies
Example Output
Example 1: Live Concert Clearance
- 📋 Venue: 500-capacity theater, 2-hour concert, US performance
✓ Performance Rights: ASCAP/BMI/SESAC blanket license required ($150–$300 per performance)
✓ Mechanical Rights: Harry Fox Agency clearance for 15 original compositions ($0.091 per song per copy)
✓ Synchronization Rights: No video recording—skipped
✓ Venue Compliance: Theater must maintain current PRO membership; sound engineer verification required
Total Estimated Cost: $250–$350
Example 2: Streaming Recording Clearance
- 📋 Project: 10-track EP, worldwide digital distribution
✓ Performance Rights: Not required (streaming platforms handle PRO reporting)
✓ Mechanical Rights: MLC license required for all compositions ($0.091 per stream per song, capped annually)
✓ Synchronization Rights: Independent publisher approval for 2 co-written tracks ($500–$2,000 per track)
✓ Master Rights: Own recordings—verified ownership chain documented
Clearance Status: Ready to distribute after MLC and sync approvals received
Example 3: Theater Production Clearance
- 📋 Show: 12-week run, 8 performances/week, 25-song score (mix of original + licensed covers)
✓ Performance Rights: Theater blanket license covers ASCAP/BMI/SESAC (included in facility agreement)
✓ Mechanical Rights: Only 4 cover songs—individual mechanical licenses from publishers
✓ Synchronization Rights: Stage-to-film clause required if show is ever recorded
✓ Dramatic Rights: Licensed through Samuel French or Music Theatre International (separate from performance rights)
Compliance Timeline: 6 weeks pre-opening for all licenses and documentation
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file with complete performance rights taxonomy and clearance workflows:
- PRO Rights Mapping Template: Identify which ASCAP/BMI/SESAC works appear in your repertoire
- Performance Context Checklist: Separate workflows for live events, broadcasts, recordings, and streaming
- Licensing Cost Calculator: Worksheet for budgeting based on venue size, duration, and territory
- Clearance Documentation Log: Track licenses, expiration dates, and compliance verification
- Multi-Territory Compliance Guide: Requirements for US, EU, UK, and international performances
Who It's For
- Music Rights Managers — Oversee clearance processes for multiple artists, venues, or catalogs
- Venue Operators & Event Promoters — Ensure compliance for concerts, festivals, and live events
- Recording Artists & Producers — Clear rights before releasing recordings or filmed performances
- Theater & Performing Arts Directors — Manage dramatic and performance rights for productions
- Music Publishers & Licensing Administrators — Respond to clearance requests and track licensing agreements
Best For
- Pre-event compliance audits for live performances or broadcasts
- Mapping rights holders and calculating licensing budgets before committing to projects
- Responding to infringement notices or licensing disputes with documented clearance evidence
- Managing recurring events (weekly shows, seasonal tours, festival circuits) with consistent compliance
- Navigating synchronization and mechanical rights for recorded performances and music videos
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