For many years now we have had regular inquiries from business owners who are surprised to be contacted by PRS and other PROs (Performance Rights Organizations) regarding the music they are playing in their shop, restaurant, cafe, gym, medical practice etc. These are not all new businesses, sometimes they have just not been contacted previously and did not understand that they … [Read more...]
Is the Composer / Artist Losing Out If I Don’t Pay PRS, ASCAP or BMI?
While many businesses understand that music creates a certain atmosphere in their restaurant, bar, or shop, many businesses are still not happy to pay for using music, as they don't understand where the money goes. What happens if you don't pay? Mainstream Music If you are playing mainstream music in your business and not paying a license the composer / artist / band will … [Read more...]
PRS Background Music vs. Royalty Free Music
Can I avoid PRS / PPL fees by playing royalty free music in my venue? It is often an assumption that any royalty-free music can be played in public as background music, avoiding the cost of PRS / PPL fees. As with many things related to music licensing, there is a little more to it. This article explains further and offers the pros and cons. To start with, it needs to be … [Read more...]
Public Safe Music
Over the last few years I have had many conversations about music for use in public venues. This is because many venue owners get frustrated at having to pay to play mainstream music in their venues. They have to pay the performance royalty organisations (PRO's) in their part of the world. Their arguments are many and varied, however, some of the common complaints I have … [Read more...]
Cell Phone Users to Pay Performance Royalties! What?
I have just read an interesting article (link below) about mobile ringtones and performance royalties. The subject matter is something I have pondered before, but always disregarded as ridiculous. For example, I have often heard in the street and on public transport, kids with their crazy mobile ringtones or playing music mp3's on speaker (guess I am sounding old here) and … [Read more...]