HFASimplify and streamline music rights & royalties.3.5 out of 5
3.5 out of 5
Hot take
The Harry Fox Agency (HFA) is a key player in the U.S. music industry, primarily handling mechanical licensing and royalty collection for music publishers and songwriters. With a legacy dating back to 1927, HFA serves over 48,000 publishing clients and issues licenses for both physical and digital formats, including CDs, downloads, and streaming. Their Songfile tool is a notable asset for DIY and independent musicians needing quick, affordable mechanical licenses. However, HFA is often mistakenly lumped in with PROs, even though it does not collect performance royalties—it only covers mechanical rights. Some users have reported the agency's processes can be complex and occasionally slow, and since its acquisition by SESAC and The Blackstone Group, questions about its transparency and focus on larger publishers have surfaced. Still, HFA remains a crucial one-stop resource for mechanical licensing in the U.S.
How was this take was created?
Pros
Streamlines mechanical licensing and royalty collection
Trusted by over 48,000 publishers
Songfile tool is DIY-friendly
Covers digital and physical music formats
Longstanding industry reputation
Cons
Does not cover performance royalties (not a PRO)
Processes can be complex and slow for some users
Questions around transparency following acquisitions
May prioritize larger publishers over indies
Key Features
Mechanical licensing administration
Royalty collection and distribution
Songfile online licensing tool
Rights management services
Piracy claims and royalty examinations
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