In a story today on NPR’s Morning Edition, they discussed SoundExchange, an organization created as part of the recent Digital Copyright Protection Act:
We have been designated by the U.S. Copyright Office to collect and distribute statutory royalties to sound recording copyright owners and featured and nonfeatured artists. Our board members and staff are dedicated to providing exceptional service and advocacy for artists and copyright owners to ensure the fair compensation for the use of copyrighted sound recordings.
SoundExchange finds artists and pays them royalties for their recorded performances when they have been presented on the Internet and related media.
If you are a performing artist, check out their free services and you might be getting a check soon for every time your performance airs. Royalties must start being collected within three years of the performance.