Welcome to Frequently Asked Questions! Below you will find a list of the most frequently asked questions to Member Services and the answers to those questions.

Can't find the answer to your question? Let us know by contacting Member Services. We'll get back to you as soon as possible and we may add your question, and our answer, to the content of one of the sections.

Soproq

What is Soproq?

Soproq is a not-for-profit collective rights management organization for makers of sound recordings and music videos. The organization collects and distributes royalties from the public performance and reproduction of sound recordings and music videos in its repertoire, as well as the royalties from the private copying regime. It also negotiates with music supply services and grants general licenses for the use of titles in its repertoire.

Why choose Soproq to manage the rights on my sound recordings and music videos?

When you entrust the administration of your repertoire to Soproq, in addition to the distribution of royalties, you can take advantage of several other services and benefits.

There is no membership fee and the administration fee retained by Soproq on the royalties collected is among the most competitive on the market. As a not-for-profit organization, Soproq only retains administration fees to ensure the maintenance of a balanced budget and the financial stability of the organization. The current administration fees can be found here.

Soproq provides members with an online portal, Octave, which allows you to access and manage your repertoire, your payments, and your account information.

Soproq distributes royalties every month and ensures that each broadcast is dully paid for. Soproq facilitates the resolution of conflicts in your repertoire and offers various information sessions for a better understanding of its operations, management tools (Octave portal) and the rights it manages. Soproq also makes the legal deposit of your albums at BAnQ on your behalf.

If you are a Soproq Member as well as a performer, you can entrust us with the management of your rights as a performer (for the United States only) and thus simplify the management of your repertoire. Visit the section “Your Services” of our website.

Why do I need to join a Collective Management Organization?

Some types of royalties can only be collected through a collective management organization, mainly those arising from the equitable remuneration regime, section 19 of the Copyright Act (R.S.C. (1985), c. C-42.

What is the difference between Soproq, SOCAN and Artisti?

Each of these organization manages different rights.

SOCAN manages the performing rights of musical works for songwriters and publishers and the reproduction rights for these same works with reference to Article 3 of the Copyright Act (R.S.C. ( 1985), c. C-42).

Artisti manages the rights granted to performers (singers and musicians) with reference to article 18 of the same law.

Soproq, for its part, manages the rights of makers of sound recordings and music videos, with reference to article 18 of the Law.

All rights coexist on a sound recording and each type of rights holder must register with the relevant management organization to receive their royalties. If the same beneficiary has more than one function on a recording (for example, songwriter and maker), they must register with each of the collective management organization in relation to the types of rights they hold (Socan and Soproq in the example given).

Joining Soproq

Why join Soproq?

If you are a maker of sound recordings or music videos, or if you acquired the rights to one or more master recordings, i.e. the medium on which the first fixation of sounds occurred, the Canadian Copyright Act grants you rights on such products. To know more about the advantages of entrusting your rights to Soproq, click here.

Who can join Soproq?

Any maker or master rights owner of a sound recording, or a music video, can become a Soproq Member, regardless of status or legal form, citizenship, or place of residence.

I manage/represent an independent artist who owns their sound recordings. What should I do?

You must first create an account in the name of your independent artist. Once membership is complete, you may be added as an authorized contact to the account depending on the access granted to you by the account holder. Once added as a contact, you will receive an email asking you to confirm this addition to the account and complete your profile, if applicable.

Do I need to be an ADISQ member to join Soproq?

No. You don’t need to be an ADISQ member to join Soproq. Registration is open to any maker of sound recordings, music videos or master rights owner.

I live abroad. Do I have to open a bank account in Canada?

No, Soproq can make payments through international wire transfers. If you are interested in receiving your royalties through your local bank and do not reside in Canada, please contact Member Services.

How can I edit my bank information?

Please log in to the Octave portal. You can change your bank information in the “Bank Infos” section. Click on Modify and save your new information.

Can Soproq manage my rights as a performer?

Soproq offers a rights management service for performers at SoundExchange. If this is an option that interests you, please note that this service covers royalties for featured performers only. For more information, please contact Member Services at info@soproq.org or (438) 799-0742 option 1.

What rights to my recordings are granted to Soproq when I join as a member?

The member grants Soproq the right to collect all royalties related to the public performance of the declared sound recordings, under the equitable remuneration and private copy regimes provided for by the Copyright Act. In addition, the member grants the exclusive right related to the reproduction of any sound recording or music video in their repertoire. Soproq negotiates one-on-one agreements that authorize music services to reproduce for broadcast purposes all sound recordings or music videos that it represents.

How do I become a Soproq Member?

All steps to join are done directly on the Octave portal. You just have to follow this link and follow the different steps. Your request can be completed in just a few minutes. Once the request has been processed by our Member Services within 24 to 48 hours, you will receive an email specifying that the contract and your account are activated and that you can therefore make your declarations.

The membership process begins with a few simple questions to help us identify the type of membership you need. For example, if you are applying for membership on behalf of an individual or a company for which you are not the authorized signatory, you will be invited to contact Member Services by email at info@soproq.org or by phone at (438) 799-0742 option 1.

If you already have an account and want to add another account, you can do so by clicking on your account name or the button "Account" located at the top left of the dashboard, then selecting "Create a new account" from the drop-down menu.

If you are under 18 or are the heir of a deceased rights owner, please contact Member Services so that we can advise you on what actions to take.

What are the fees for joining and managing my royalties?

Becoming a Soproq Member is free. An administration fee is applied only when royalties are paid. The current administration fees, the lowest amongst Collective Management Organizations, can be found here.

My band wants to join Soproq. Do we have to register each member?

You can register as a band, under a single entity (such as a general partnership or a corporation), or each member individually can apply for membership. However, the management of declarations and rights is always simpler when it involves only one rights owner or a single entity.

How do I update my account information?

All your information can be updated though the Octave portal. First log in to your account. In the “Account settings” or “My profile” section you can update all your profile information (address, phone number, etc.).

I have applied for membership but have not yet received my ISRC code. Is it normal?

A membership request does not come automatically with a registrant code, these are two different things. If you need to assign ISRC codes to your sound recordings or music videos, please apply for a registrant code that will allow you to create your ISRC codes.

Administration of your rights

What is copyright?

Copyright is the sole right to produce, reproduce, publish, or perform an original work of a literary, artistic, dramatic, or musical nature. In Canada, the Copyright Act grants to the maker of a sound recording or a music video, the sole right to do the following in relation to the sound recording or music video: to publish it, to reproduce it or to rent it out. These rights may be subsequently transferred to the benefit of the person who becomes the owner of the master recording.

What is the difference between a musical work and a sound recording?

A musical work is a melody, a harmony, or either combination of those two elements, with or without lyrics. A sound recording is the carrier on which the musical work is fixed. As a comparison, the sound recording may be seen as being a container, whereas the musical work is the content.

Does Soproq manage the rights on music videos?

Historically, Soproq was created primarily to manage the royalties of music videos that were broadcast on television channels like Musique Plus or MuchMusic. Nowadays, Soproq also collects royalties for the use of your music videos by background music services.

What is Private copying?

The right from the private copying (CP) regime provides a remuneration to makers, among others, for the reproduction of sound recordings for private use on blank audio recording media (CD-R, CD-RW, CD-R audio and CD-RW audio).

How are Soproq’s tariffs and rates set?

For royalties from equitable remuneration and private copying regimes, the royalty rates payable by music services are established by the Copyright Board. The tariffs vary according to the uses and categories of music services (broadcasting, webcasting, background music, etc.). The licensing rates negotiated by Soproq with music services for reproduction rights are generally established by the tariff committee according to the market. In principle, music services have an obligation to provide lists of all sound recordings or music videos broadcast via their respective service and, consequently, royalties are paid to rights owners based on actual usage.

What are "neighbouring rights"?

A special protection regime is granted to performers on their performances and to makers on their sound recordings. These are so-called “neighbouring” rights to copyright since they do not relate to a work in the traditional sense of the term (literary, artistic, musical, or dramatic work), but rather to the means used for the communication of this work, so that it is made available to the public (master recording or musical performance).

What is the difference between a producer and a maker?

A maker is the person or company who makes all necessary arrangements for the first fixation of the sounds. Sometimes the term “executive producer” is used. On the other hand, a producer is responsible for supervising all artistic decisions about the recording. Please note that in French, a producer is a “réalisateur”, while a maker is a “producteur”.

What is Equitable remuneration?

The right to equitable remuneration (RE) provides a remuneration for the public performance or communication to the public by telecommunication of sound recordings. As such, when your sound recordings are broadcast on the radio, as background music in establishments, during events, etc. royalties are payable by the services that use them

What is the reproduction right?

The reproduction (Repro) right allows royalties to be received when Soproq authorizes music services (background music suppliers, radio broadcasters, webcasters, pay audio services, etc.) to reproduce for broadcast purposes the sound recordings or music videos (VD) in its repertoire. Unlike the mechanical rights on musical works paid to a songwriter, a composer, or a music publisher, each time a physical or digital copy is made of one of his songs or composition, this right refers to the incidental reproduction to the public communication of sound recordings or music videos made by a music service.

Distributions

How often are royalties distributed?

The frequency of the distributions depends on the payment method you have opted to receive your royalties. It also varies according to the type of rights, the source of the royalties and the amount of royalties payable. You can view our distribution schedule in the Resources section of our website. You can also follow our Facebook page and subscribe to our newsletter to know the dates of upcoming distributions as well as the detail of the royalties paid.

I received a notice of payment by email, but I don’t know to what the amount corresponds. How can I verify it?

Payment reports are available on the Octave portal, in the My Payments section. You can view or download them. The report details each tariff paid, by sound recording and / or music video. For any questions specific to your payment report, we invite you to contact Soproq Member Services by email at info@soproq.org or by phone at (438) 799-0742 option 1.


Is it possible to claim royalties on past broadcasts?

Yes, but under certain conditions. When you declare sound recordings and / or music videos on the Octave portal, Soproq makes sure to claim all the royalties that it can collect retroactively. However, beyond certain years of broadcasting (this varies depending on the tariff and the territory), the royalties are liquidated. It is therefore your responsibility to keep your repertoire up to date on the Octave portal, in the My declarations section.

How is the value of royalties calculated?

Royalties are calculated according to the various tariffs approved by the Copyright Board of Canada and according to the rates provided for in the licenses granted by Soproq. For the royalties that we collect for broadcasts in the United States or elsewhere in the world, the rates vary according to the standards specific to each country.

What are my tax obligations in relation to the royalties paid to me by Soproq?

The royalties paid by Soproq are not subject to taxes such as HST, GST, etc. for members. However, they need to be considered in the calculation of your annual revenue. In this regard, Soproq issues the appropriate tax statements each year and sends them to members. Since each case is unique, we invite you to contact Canada Revenue Agency and Revenu Québec, or your financial advisor for any question regarding the imposition of royalties, or the annual deductions for copyright royalty income.

How am I notified if I receive a payment?

When a payment is issued, Soproq sends an email notification. A detailed payment report is also available on the Octave portal, in the My payments section. You can view it or download it.

There was a Soproq distribution, but I did not receive any payment, is it normal?

To receive a payment from Soproq, your repertoire (sound recordings and / or music video) must be declared on the Octave portal and must have benefited from usage eligible for royalties. It should also be considered that a processing time is necessary between an eligible usage and its payment, and that this time varies according to the various tariffs and the source of royalties.

How does Soproq ensure that it pays me all the royalties owed to me?

Soproq monitors for you the usage of your music to claim all the royalties to which you are entitled. In this regard, Soproq has access to broadcast logs and analyzes these lists by comparing them to the broadcasts for which sums have been collected.

How are royalties from neighboring rights distributed among performers and makers of sound recordings in Canada?

Re:Sound, a Collective Management Organization, collects the royalties from the approved tariffs for rights holders on sound recordings. It then distributes the royalties between Canadian management organizations for performers and Canadian management organizations for makers (such as Soproq).

International: your rights outside Canada

What are the other collective management organizations with which Soproq has agreements?

Soproq works with several Collective Management Organizations for rights owners around the world: PPL (United Kingdom), SIMIM (Belgium), SCPP (France), GVL (Germany), SoundExchange (USA and 41 additional countries in South America, Oceania and Asia). Furthermore, via Re:sound, Soproq benefits indirectly from several reciprocity agreements in various markets where it is not represented.

To whom should I report when my products are used abroad?

Each country or territory sets its own tariffs and develops its distribution methodologies. Usually, each use is subject to a royalty and is declared by the music service that uses it. If one of your sound recordings is played abroad and it is subject to royalties, these will reach you through one of the Collecting Management Organizations with which Soproq has an agreement. On a reciprocal basis, Canada being a party to the Rome Convention and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT), sound recordings eligible for equitable remuneration in Canada are eligible for such remuneration in the other signatory countries of these acts. This insofar as a tariff applies for equivalent use.

What should I do if I license another rights owner (or label) to represent me abroad?

Please contact Soproq's Member Services at info@soproq.org or (438) 799-0742 option 1. Proof of this agreement will be requested. This can take the form of a contract (license) or any document explaining the assumption of responsibility for your sound recordings by a new rights owner in a given territory. For more details, please refer to the General Rules.

ISRC Code

What does ISRC mean?

ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code.

What is the difference between the ISRC code and the UPC\EAN code?

The ISRC code identifies a sound recording (track), independently of the product it is on (CD, vinyl, digital, etc.). The UPC code identifies a physical or digital product that you market, such as an album, EP or single.

Learn more about UPC Code

How is the ISRC code made up?

The first 2 characters are a 2-letter Country Code identifying the country of residence of the registrant, In Canada, we use CA and as of June 2021 we use CB for new applications only. Ex: CB-ABC-22-00001

The next 3 characters are the Registrant Code. It is a three-character code (number and/or letter) that is assigned to you and that belongs to you. The ISRC code is created using this code. You always keep this registrant code, and you use it for all your projects. Ex : CB-ABC-22-00001

Then, 2 numbers for the Year of Reference, the year in which the ISRC code is allocated. Ex: CB-ABC-22-00001

The last 5 characters are a unique 5-digit Designation Code assigned by the maker, as they choose, for example, 00001 for the first code assigned to a title in 2022. When the year of reference changes, you can either reset to 00001, or continue using the sequence of the previous year.

Where can I find my Registrant Code?

If you are a member of Soproq and you already have a Registrant Code for your ISRC codes, you can see it in your Account Settings section of the Octave portal or directly from the dashboard. If you have more than one account, please select the name of the account you want to consult first. Then click on the "View my Registrant Code" button located in the "Custom actions" section of the dashboard. You can see your Registrant Code at the bottom of the page.

If not, please contact Member Services by email at info@soproq.org or by phone at (438) 799-0742 option 1.

Do I have to be a Soproq Member to get ISRC Codes?

No. You don’t have to be a Soproq Member to get your registrant code. If you are the master or the rights owner of a sound recording or a music video, you can apply for a registrant code by filling out the form on our website. It’s free and fast. Insofar as your request is received, please allow 24 to 48 business hours before receiving an e-mail with all the necessary information.

Apply for a registrant code

Do I need a new Registrant Code for each of my projects?

No. You always keep the same registrant code that you have been assigned, and you use it for all your projects.

I own some sound recordings that were never assigned ISRC codes. Is it too late to allocate codes?

No. Although the ISRC code should be encoded during pre-mastering and supplied during initial releases and uses, it is possible to assign codes at any time to sound recordings that were never allocated any such code.

When there is more than one maker (co-makers), who must assign codes?

Only one of the co-makers (or co-owners) must assign ISRC codes. It is better to decide between yourselves to avoid allocating multiple codes to the same recording.

When do I assign a new ISRC code?

A new ISRC code should be assigned only in the following examples:

  • Different mixes/edits
  • Difference in playing time (duration)
  • Using only a part of the recording
  • Restoration of a historical recording involving creative input
  • Compilation from modified recordings

The original ISRC must remain the same when:

  • The sound recording is included in a compilation
  • The sound recording is remastered (expect for a historical restoration)
  • The sound recording is released across different formats (ex: CD, vinyl, digital)
What is an ISRC code?

The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as an identification system for sound recordings and music videos. The ISRC Code is a unique identifier for each individual sound recording and music video. It is assigned by the first maker and is useful in tracking musical contents. The ISRC code should be encoded on the recording medium (carrier) during pre-mastering. It must be supplied to different actors within the industry: collective organizations, distributors, traditional broadcasters, and webcasting services. This is a mandatory prerequisite for the use of each track and when declaring your repertoire with Soproq. You always keep the same registrant code, and you use it for all your projects.

What is a Registrant Code?

It is a three-character code (number and/or letter) that is assigned to you and that belongs to you. The ISRC code is created using this code. You always keep this registrant code, and you use it for all your projects. Ex : CB-ABC-22-00001

How do I get an ISRC Code (Registrant Code)?

You need to apply for a Registrant Code by using the application form on our website.

I only received 5 of the 12 characters, is it normal?

Yes, we send you the country code and your registrant code, it is up to you to create the complete ISRC code. You can find how to create them using our guide.

Do I become a Soproq Member automatically when I apply for ISRC Codes?

No, applying for a Registrant Code is a free service we offer to any master or rights owners of a sound recording or music video. To become a Soproq Member, you need to make a separate request via the Octave portal.

I have my ISRC code, what do I do now?

The ISRC code should be encoded on the recording medium (carrier) during pre-mastering. It must be supplied to different actors within the industry: collective organizations, distributors, traditional broadcasters, and webcasting services. This is a mandatory prerequisite for the use of each track and when declaring your repertoire with Soproq.

Do ISRC codes determine who is paid for the royalties?

No. Assigning an ISRC code to your sound recordings does not allow you to receive royalties from Soproq for the use of your repertoire. The ISRC code is a unique identifier for the sound recording. It has no legal value and does not protect your sound recording. The ISRC code does not indicate in any case who is the rights owner. To receive your royalties, you must become a Soproq member and declare your repertoire.

Do I need ISRC codes for Music Videos?

Yes. You must use it the same way as a sound recording. Make sure that the ISRC code assigned to a music video is different than the one assigned to the sound recording

I indicated the wrong ISRC code in my declaration, my distributor assigned different codes from mine for delivery to digital platforms, what should I do?

Please contact us by email at info@soproq.org or by phone at (438) 799-0742 option 1. Members Services are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

UPC Code

What is a UPC code?

A UPC code (Universal Product Code) is a unique, permanent, and internationally recognized reference number allowing the identification of a specific product available for purchase online or in stores. Consisting of 12 digits, the UPC code is commonly referred to as a "barcode". The EAN code (European Article Numbering) code is a barcode used in Europe and is generally composed of 13 digits.

What is a product?

A product is the result of a fixation of any sound on one or more recording media (carriers). It can be a physical object (CD, LP, 45 rpm Vinyl Disc) as well as an intangible good in digital format. The product exists from the time it is released and can be a single, an EP or an album.

For a digital release, where can I get a UPC/EAN code?

If you plan to deposit or have already deposited your product on one of the online music sales and streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, etc.), your distributor, record label, or aggregator must create a UPC code for your product, since this is a prerequisite on these platforms. This code can be used to complete your declaration to Soproq.

If I declare a single with a UPC code before my album is released, do I need to get a new UPC code for my album that includes the previously released single?

Yes, because they are two separate products, the first one including only one track. The album, of which this single is part, is a collection of several tracks and must have a different UPC code.

What is the difference between the UPC/EAN code and the ISRC code?

The UPC code identifies a physical or digital product that you market, such as an album, EP or single. The ISRC code identifies a sound recording (track), independently of the product it is on (CD, vinyl, digital, etc.).

When is a UPC/EAN code assigned?

The UPC code is assigned during the marketing stage of your product, as it is required by retailers, distributors, Collective Management Organizations, and Nielsen Soundscan.

For a physical release, where can I get a UPC/EAN code?

If your physical product is available in a retail outlet (shop, record store, etc.), the UPC code is generally printed in the form of a machine-readable barcode and affixed to the packaging of your physical product. It was provided to you by your record label or distributor. If you don't have a record label or a distributor, and you don't plan to put your product on digital platforms, you will have to contact GS1 Canada to get it.

Conflicts

What is a conflict?

A conflict occurs when the total of the rights declared by at least two rights owners exceeds 100% on the same sound recording or music video, for the same type of right and the same territory. When a conflict occurs on a sound recording or a music video, all royalties payable on that title are put on hold.

Where can I see the conflicts in my repertoire?

To check or view the repertoire in conflict in your account, simply log in to the Octave portal and go to the My repertoire/Sound recordings or My repertoire/Music videos section. You can then use the additional criterion "Title(s) in conflict only" to search and display the titles in conflict. You can also access them directly through your account dashboard.

Why are my sound recordings and/or music videos in conflict?

Different situations can generate conflicts. Some conflicts result from simple errors (for example, a rights owner who declared the wrong percentage, or a rights owner who declared the same title twice). Other conflicts arise when different parties claim to be rights owners. But in all cases, payable royalties are put on hold until the conflict is resolved.

How can I identify and resolve conflicts in my repertoire?

In the My Repertoire section of the Octave portal, you can click on any title in conflict to view its details. A summary of the rights declared to Soproq by the various parties is displayed on the screen. You can also download a list of all your titles in conflict.

To resolve a conflict, please contact our Member Services at info@soproq.org or by phone at (438) 799-0742 option 1. Before starting the process, we invite you to check that the information that you provided is still valid. We will then be able to put you in contact with the entity claiming these rights or update your repertoire.

Please note that Soproq acts as a facilitator between the various rights owners involved in the conflict, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the parties involved in the dispute.

Successions

What do Soproq’s General Rules mention?

In the event of death of a Soproq Member, the estate of the deceased Member is substituted during the liquidation period for all rights and obligations of the deceased Member. The estate is represented during the liquidation by its liquidator who must provide Soproq with the death certificate of the Member and establish its legitimacy, either by the production of the will, if applicable, and the notice of appointment of the liquidator (letter of verification, letter of probate, certificate of appointment of the administrator of an estate with or without a will ...). The liquidator must also provide Soproq with the name, address, telephone number and email address of each heir. At the end of the liquidation of the estate, upon confirmation of the publication of the notice of closure of the estate, Soproq may resiliate the contract of the deceased member and the heirs of the deceased member may apply for a new membership. (Ref.: section 10.2 of General Rules)

Which documents will Soproq need?

The estate is represented during the liquidation by its liquidator who must provide Soproq with the death certificate of the Member and establish its legitimacy, either by the production of the will, if applicable, and the notice of appointment as a liquidator (letter of verification, letter of homologation, certificate of appointment of the administrator of an estate with or without a will, etc.). The liquidator must also provide Soproq with the name, address, telephone number and email address of each heir.

Can the rights be bequeathed by will?

The rights on a sound recording or a music video are assets that are part of the estate of a member and may be bequeathed by will, just like the ownership of the sound recording or the music video.

What delays are to be expected?

Settlement of an estate can take several months or even a few years when the case is particularly complex. When a document is transmitted or a request sent to Soproq, the processing time is generally 24 to 48 business hours.

What is the first thing I must do?

If you are an heir or the appointed liquidator of an estate, you must first contact Member Services, who will assist you in the procedures to follow.

Member Services: by email at info@soproq.org or by phone at (438) 799-0742 option 1.

What happens with the royalties payable to a deceased member?

From the time of the death of a member, all royalties are payable to the estate of the deceased. As soon as the estate's bank account is opened, the estate liquidator must send the information to Soproq so that the royalties are paid to the estate. Between the time of death and the opening of the estate's bank account, the liquidator can ask Member Services to withhold payments.

Member Services: by email at info@soproq.org or by phone at (438) 799-0742 option 1.

What should I do once the estate is liquidated?

Upon transmission of the notice of closure of the estate to Soproq’s Member Services, the liquidator must also provide Soproq with the name and contact details of each heir. The deceased member's account will then be terminated, and the sound recordings and music videos part of the member's repertoire will be transferred to the heirs once they have completed a new Soproq membership application.

Users and music services

What’s a license?

A license is an authorization for the use of recorded music or music videos. It sets the terms and conditions of usage in return for a payment.

How do I get a license?

To get a license, you must complete a license application.

Who are your licensees?

An updated list of our licensees, by category, is available here.

Why do I need a license?

If you use recorded music or music videos for purposes other than private use you need to get a license. It’s an obligation under the Canadian Copyright Act.

What are the license categories?

Licenses are divided into different categories according to the specific use made of the sound recordings and music videos, such as radio broadcasting, background music, in-flight entertainment, webcasting, single events, music videos and other types of services.

Who do you represent?

Soproq represents most of the music repertoire from independent French-Canadian labels. We also represent many sound recordings and music videos from other labels across Canada, U.S.A. and Europe. You can find a list of our members as well as a list of represented music videos here.

Octave portal

What is the Octave portal? What does it do?

The Octave portal is a tool intended for Soproq members, those who want to become one or their authorized representative. Octave allows you to securely consult your repertoire, make new declarations, view titles in conflict, receive your payment reports, access and manage account information (such as updating contact details and bank information), etc.

What should I do once I have joined and my account is activated?

Once membership is approved, you can start declaring your repertoire through your Octave online account. Make sure to update your repertoire as soon as your new products are played on the various radio stations and music services to avoid missing out on some royalties.

Once the complete and accurate data relating to a sound recording or a music video have been entered into the database, Soproq monitors for you the users who play your music to claim all the royalties to which you are entitled. On the “My Payments” page, you will start seeing royalties collected on your behalf. Note that the frequency of distributions varies according to the type of right, the source of the royalties and the amount of royalties payable.

I don't have access to all the features on my Octave account, why?

This can happen for the following reasons:

  • You have not finalized your Soproq membership.
  • The account administrator has granted you limited access to portal features.

If you have any questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact us by email at info@soproq.org or by phone at (438) 799-0742 option 1. Member Services are open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How can I find my Registrant Code (ISRC) ?

Once logged in, please click on the name of the account you wish to consult, then on the button "View my registrant code" located in the "Custom actions" section of the dashboard. Your registrant code is indicated at the bottom of the page.

How can I declare my repertoire?

Declare your repertoire directly online by logging into your Octave account and clicking on the “Declare a new product” or “Declare a new video” buttons located in the “Custom actions” section of your dashboard. The process will then guide you through the mandatory fields you need to provide regarding the details of your product or music video, to make declaring your repertoire as quick and easy as possible. When reviewing your declaration, errors or omissions in the mandatory fields will be indicated to you before you can submit it.

At any time, you can access the "My declarations" page to complete a saved declaration that has not been submitted. You can also follow up on the declarations that you recently submitted to Soproq on this page.

As for the declaration of a larger volume of audio or video repertoire, this can be easily done using an Excel template available for download on the "My declarations" page under "Declaration using file template". You receive a first email confirmation directly after your upload. If the upload contains critical errors (e.g., missing, or incorrect data in required fields), you will also be notified by email.

I am the co-owner with another person or several other persons. What is the best way of declaring my sound recordings?

When declaring your sound recordings, you will be asked to indicate the percentage of rights that belong to you and with whom you share the remaining of the rights. The other rights owner(s) will receive an email inviting them to do the same and declare their own percentage. Please note that all rights owners must be members of the same Collective Management Organization to receive royalties from the reproduction right.

Where can I access my submitted and processed repertoire?

Under “My repertoire”, you will find all the sound recordings and music videos that you have submitted to the Octave portal, and which have been successfully processed by Soproq.

The submitted repertoire is therefore not immediately visible under "My repertoire" once you have declared it, but only once it has been processed by Octave's systems and after the respective conflict checks have been completed. This is usually done once a day, so you should be able to access your repertoire in the Octave portal no later than 1 to 2 business days after your declaration.

How can I modify or transfer the rights of my repertoire to which I am linked or that I have declared to Soproq?

By using the Octave portal, you can modify or transfer the declared rights at any time, whether or not a sound recording or a music is in conflict, by simply completing a request via the "Modification and transfer" option under the "My repertoire" menu.

Once your modification or transfer request has been successfully submitted, a representative from our Member Services will process your request and contact you if necessary within 1 to 2 business days.

Please note that once the transfer of rights is complete, the sound recording or music video is deleted from your repertoire and will no longer be displayed or paid to you.

How can I see my payments? Do you keep a history of all distributions?

If payments have been made to you, a payment notice will be sent to you by email.

Once logged into your Octave account, you have an overview of your payments for the current year on the dashboard. To consult the summary of the last distribution, click on the button "See this distribution" or on "Last distribution" in the menu "My payments". To access the distribution history, click on the "See all distributions" button or on "Distribution history" in the "My payments" menu.

At any time, you can print the summary or download the report as an Excel file that details your royalties by sound recording and music video.

How can I access the Octave portal?

Before getting access to the Octave portal, you must first become a Soproq Member as rights owner on sound recordings or music videos. Regardless of your status or legal form, citizenship, or place of residence.

The Octave portal allows you to register online to become a Soproq Member. Click here to start the membership process, it's free! You will be guided through the various steps of the process, to make joining as quick and easy as possible.

The membership process begins with a few simple questions to help us identify the type of membership you need. For example, if you are applying for membership on behalf of an individual or a company for which you do not have signing authority, you will be invited to contact our Member Services by email at info@soproq.org or by phone at (438) 799-0742 option 1.

If you already have an account and want to add another account, you can do so by clicking on your account name or the button labeled "Account" located at the top left of the dashboard, then selecting " Create a new account "from the drop-down menu.

If you are under 18 or are the heir of a deceased rights owner, please contact Member Services so that we can advise you on what action to take.

How can I connect to my Octave account? What can I do if I forgot my password?

To log into your Octave account, enter your email address and password on the portal home page.

Don't worry if you've forgotten your password, it's easy to reset it:

  1. Click on "I forgot my password" on the login page of the Octave portal.
  2. Enter the email address you registered with and click "Reset".
  3. An email will be sent to you with a link valid for 48 hours to create a new password. Your new password must be at least 8 characters long and must include at least 1 uppercase letter, 1 lowercase letter and 1 number.
How can I add a contact and authorize their access?

On the "Contacts and Access" page accessible from the "Account" menu, you can invite new contacts, modify, or remove access to features. You can thus control directly online and without delay the access to portal features granted to each of the contacts associated with your Octave account, such as submitting declarations or view details of distributions.

How can I update my bank information and my personal information (address, phone, password, etc.)?

BANK INFORMATION

You can update your bank information via your secure Octave account. Once logged in, please click on the name of the account you wish to update, then on the account name on the left of the dashboard, and finally on "Bank Info" from the drop-down menu. Once you have validated your bank details and saved them, your bank information will be updated on your account.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

You can also update your personal information via your secure Octave account.

For a postal address - Once logged in, please click on the name of the account you want to update, then on the account name on the left side of the dashboard, and finally on "Account settings" from the drop-down menu. In the "Modify my address" section, please click on the "Modify" button. Once you enter your new address and save it, your account information will be updated.

Please note that an address must be indicated for mailing purposes, otherwise Soproq will not be able to send you payments by check and tax statements. To do so, please go to the "Documents Delivery" section on the "Contacts and Access" page.

For other information (phones, language preference, password, etc.) - Once logged in, please click on your name located at the top right of the screen, then on "My Profile" located in the drop-down menu. Once you have validated your personal information and saved it, your profile will be updated on your account.

Where can I see if my declaration was successful?

On the "My declarations" page, you can see an overview of all your declarations and their status at any time.

How can I correct or delete a declaration that I submitted by mistake?

Once a declaration has been successfully submitted to Soproq, you cannot correct or delete it. However, you have two options:

  • In the “My repertoire” menu, select “Modification and transfer” and complete your modification request. A representative from our Member Services will process your request and contact you within 1 to 2 business days.
  • Submit a new declaration and be sure to contact Member Services by email at info@soproq.org to inform them that you are resubmitting a declaration specifying the product or the music video.
What are my options for managing my repertoire?

If you select “Sound Recordings”, “Music Videos” or “Products” from the “My Repertoire” menu, you will be directed to an overview of your repertoire that you have submitted and that have been processed by the Octave system with the relevant data regarding the rights you have declared.

In addition to the overview of your submitted and processed repertoire, Octave offers you the possibility of finding a title with different filter and search options, of consulting detailed information on a title, of declaring or deleting suggested titles, of responding to questions from Soproq, see the number of identified and unresolved conflicts with other rights owners, and resolve yourself any conflicts over declared rights.

Can I export my repertoire?

Yes, you can export your full repertoire as an Excel file by selecting "Export Repertoire" under the "My repertoire" menu. You will then be able to start the export process using the "Export" button.

When your file is ready, an email will be sent to you with a download link valid for 72 hours. Please note that this step may take some time, from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of your repertoire.

IT Support

I can’t use the Octave portal with my browser, what should I do?

If you have a problem with your browser, we recommend that you follow these troubleshooting tips:

  • Make sure your browser is up to date. Please follow the instructions of the supported browsers: Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox.
  • Empty your browser's cache memory. Indeed, a cache can prevent the Octave portal from showing its updates. For more information, see the answer to the question " Why do I need to clear my browser's cache?" ". The guidelines for clearing your cache will vary depending on the browser you are using. By accessing the Help menu of your browser, you should find detailed instructions on this subject.
  • Switch to another browser: Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox. Make sure you are using the most recent version of these browsers.

Please note: The Octave portal is no longer compatible with Internet Explorer since Microsoft announced in May 2021 its withdrawal and end of support as of June 15, 2022.

Note: Older operating systems may not support the latest version of your browser. If you cannot update your browser due to your operating system, consider updating your operating system or device (computer, mobile phone, or tablet).

Tip: Make sure there is nothing wrong with your internet connection.

Why do I have to clear my browser's cache memory?

Your internet browser, whether it is Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge or others, uses what is called "caching". It keeps in memory the data of the sites or applications that one visits for future use. This function optimizes the operation of your browser, for example, faster loading of web pages (images, computer language, etc.) and less bandwidth used by the browser.

However, this optimization of browser function has a drawback. If changes are made to the web page in question, they will not be displayed - or incomplete. This is because the browser cache will display the last saved version, without the updates.

In order to display the current version of a web page or of the Octave portal, it is recommended to occasionally empty the cache of your browser to delete the data that has been saved.

Deleting your cache also allows you to erase and thus protect your personal information which could have been recovered through cookies or forms from the sites you visit.

If you're using Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or another browser, visit their support site to learn how to clear the cache.

Why are you discontinuing support for older versions of browsers?

The world of technology is changing rapidly, new devices are put on sale every year, and updates are required on a regular basis. The same goes for the tools that allow you to go on the internet, i.e. browsers. Whether you use Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox or others, all of these browsers are unique and have a different way of presenting the content you visit. They are also evolving, and what was up to date a few months ago becomes obsolete and then requires an update.

Supporting browsers takes a lot of time and resources. We wish to invest these resources in the constant improvement of the Octave portal. That's why we stop supporting older versions as soon as the browsers or operating systems on a device no longer support them.

I am told to change or update my browser, why?

To use Octave, you must be using an up-to-date web browser. If you are not using the latest version of your browser, you may not be able to access your Octave account or use all of its features.

It is also important to regularly update your browser for the following reasons:

  1. With each update, the security weaknesses in your browser are corrected and the security of your data is enhanced.
  2. Errors and bugs encountered in previous versions of your browser are fixed, making it easier for you to access web pages that no longer worked with your old version.
  3. You can benefit from new features that are introduced with the new version of your browser as well as a much faster connection.

To know the current version of your device, just go to the following link: whatsmybrowser.org

Here are the browsers that the Octave portal supports and the links to find them:

Operating systemRecommended browsers
WindowsGoogle Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge
(most recent versions)
MacApple Safari, Mozilla Firefox
(most recent versions)



Please note: The Octave portal is no longer compatible with Internet Explorer since Microsoft announced in May 2021 its withdrawal and end of support as of June 15, 2022.

Note:
Older operating systems may not support the latest version of your browser. If you cannot update your browser due to your operating system, consider updating your operating system or device (computer, mobile phone, or tablet).

Tip:
Make sure there is nothing wrong with your internet connection. If you are still having problems, you can try clearing your cache and deleting your cookies.

How do I download or upgrade my browser?

To learn how to download or update your browser, see their browser help resources:

- Google Chrome

- Apple Safari for Mac

- Mozilla Firefox

- Microsoft Edge

Note: We are not responsible for any software download or installation problems you may have. Software vendors are responsible for technical support.

Please note: The Octave portal is no longer compatible with Internet Explorer since Microsoft announced in May 2021 its withdrawal and end of support as of June 15, 2022.

How to choose the right browser?

There really isn't a better browser. Depending on how a site is programmed, sometimes things look good on one browser and not so well on another, sometimes not at all. It is very demanding to create a site or a portal that will work the same way on all browsers.

According to Statcounter, the two most popular in Canada and globally are Chrome, Google's browser, with more than half of the market share, and Safari for all Apple devices. Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge are in third and fourth position according to statistics from the Octave portal.

Please note: The Octave portal is no longer compatible with Internet Explorer since Microsoft announced in May 2021 its withdrawal and end of support as of June 15, 2022.