SoundExchange collects and distributes digital performance royalties (Sirius XM, Pandora, internet radio, and more) for over half a million artists and rights owners. Inside a single SoundExchange (SXDirect) account, you can add multiple rightsholders — the legal entities that own the master recordings and receive the rightsholder share of royalties (typically 50%).
If you've already created your SXDirect account but need to add a new rightsholder — for example, a newly formed label, an LLC for a self-released artist, or an additional production company — this guide will walk you through it.
Video: SoundExchange's official SXDirect tutorial playlist on YouTube. (Replace with a Mogul-recorded walkthrough once available.)
Before You Start
Make sure you have the following information ready for the rightsholder you're adding:
Legal entity name exactly as it appears on tax documents
Tax ID — SSN, EIN, or international tax identifier
Mailing address for tax forms (W-9 for U.S., W-8 for non-U.S.)
Bank or payment details for direct deposit (optional, but recommended)
Proof of ownership — distribution agreements, label contracts, or assignment paperwork in case SoundExchange requests verification
Adding a New Rightsholder
Step 1: Log in to SXDirect
Head to https://sxdirect.soundexchange.com/login/ and sign in with your existing credentials.
Step 2: Open your account profile
Click your Registrant name in the upper-right corner of SXDirect and choose My Account (sometimes labeled Account Profile or Account Settings).
[Screenshot placeholder: Registrant dropdown > My Account]
Step 3: Navigate to Manage Rightsholders
Within the account profile, look for the Rightsholders tab (it may also appear as Manage Rightsholders or Payees). This is where every rightsholder linked to your account is listed.
[Screenshot placeholder: Rightsholders tab in account profile]
Step 4: Click 'Add Rightsholder'
In the upper-right corner of the Rightsholders page, select Add Rightsholder (or + New Rightsholder). This opens the new rightsholder form.
Step 5: Fill in the rightsholder details
Complete every required field. The most important ones are:
Rightsholder type — Individual, Sole Proprietor, LLC, Corporation, etc.
Legal name — must match your tax documents exactly
Tax classification & Tax ID — SoundExchange will use this to issue 1099s
Mailing address
Contact email for statements and notifications
Step 6: Complete tax forms
SXDirect will prompt you to complete a digital W-9 (U.S.) or W-8BEN/W-8BEN-E (non-U.S.) for the new rightsholder. You can sign electronically inside the portal — no need to mail anything in.
Step 7: Add payment details (optional but recommended)
Under Payment Method, choose direct deposit (ACH for U.S. or international wire) and enter the banking details. If you skip this, SoundExchange will mail paper checks to the rightsholder's mailing address, which can delay payouts.
Step 8: Review and submit
Double-check every field, then click Submit (or Save Rightsholder). SoundExchange reviews new rightsholders before activating them; this typically takes 3–10 business days. You'll receive an email when the rightsholder is approved and ready to be assigned to recordings.
[Screenshot placeholder: confirmation screen after submitting]
After Approval: Assigning Recordings
Once the new rightsholder is active, you can claim recordings under it during your next bulk upload — or reassign existing recordings via My Catalog → Associated Recordings. For step-by-step bulk upload help, see How to Bulk Upload Your Music to SoundExchange.
If new claims trigger overlaps or disputes, our SoundExchange Disputes and Overlaps guide walks through bulk resolution.
Tips & Common Issues
Name mismatch: If the legal name on your W-9/W-8 doesn't match your Tax ID, SoundExchange will reject the rightsholder. Pull the entity name directly from the IRS letter (CP 575) or your registered business filing.
Multiple rightsholders, one account: There's no hard limit on the number of rightsholders under a single SXDirect account — managers and labels routinely run dozens.
International rightsholders: A non-U.S. rightsholder must complete a W-8 to avoid 30% withholding. Check the Foreign TIN field carefully.
Need help? SoundExchange member services: [email protected] · (202) 640-5858.
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Tracking Your Business
Once your new rightsholder is live, Mogul can pull SoundExchange statements and registrations alongside every other royalty source you collect from — so you can see exactly what each entity is earning and what's still owed. Learn how Mogul helps artists, labels, and managers track every dollar across the music business.