Can I Play That Song? Answers to Your Music Licensing Questions

Sound moves us. It serves as a soundtrack to our daily lives, whether we’re listening to music while we eat breakfast in the kitchen or gently nodding our heads to the beat while we shop the racks of our favorite retail store. 

As a business owner in Scottsdale, AZ, you can encourage your customers to enjoy the time spent in your establishment with the perfect music selection. As a commercial audiovisual company, we can install a sound system that lets you find the right tempo, volume, and lyrics to convey your brand’s personality and create the perfect atmosphere with a few taps of your finger. But playing music can be a tricky situation if you’re not familiar with the process of getting it licensed. 

Keep reading below to learn more about this interesting topic!

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What Is A Music License?

Music licenses prevent unauthorized sharing of creative works to ensure artists are appropriately compensated for their songs. For example, some grant access for a specified amount of time, whereas other music licensing agreements pay copyright owners each time a song is played. Ultimately, the goal of a music license is to protect your business from copyright infringement.

Businesses must purchase a music license that adequately compensates the artist for their royalties. One way you can ensure you’re legally playing music in your Scottsdale-area business is by contacting Wipliance—we’re a commercial audiovisual company with many years of experience on this matter! We work with entities such as ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) and BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) to ensure artists are compensated and our clients are legally playing music in their establishments.

Pressing Play on your favorite Spotify playlist at home is much different than doing it in your business, so it’s imperative that you understand what type of license you have for the music you play in your commercial establishment.

What Types of Businesses Need to Consider Music Licensing?

If you run a business that makes a profit, you need to consider music licensing and the potential repercussions of not following copyright law. Fitness centers, restaurants, and retail shops are all common areas that play music for the public over commercial AV systems. 

Depending on the number of speakers you have, how the music is distributed, how many patrons you have, and the square footage of your premises, you may be exempt from purchasing music licensing. To determine what’s best for your business, it’s in your best interest to contact a professional like Wipliance.

Wipliance Is Here to Help

Our team of dedicated professionals is available for all of your business AV and automation needs. Whether you need an upgraded audio/video system for your yoga studio, an overhaul on your office’s lighting design, or you need a new videoconferencing setup in your boardroom, we’re your go-to stop for modern technology. 

To start a conversation about music licensing or other essential aspects you need to consider for your business in Arizona, connect with us here now or chat with us at the bottom of your screen. We can’t wait to hear from you.