BMI music licensing for businesses
BMI is the largest US PRO by membership. Its licence covers BMI's catalogue, but your playlists almost certainly include songs from the other three PROs too.
Included with SoundMachine
BMI public performance licensing for background music, together with ASCAP, SESAC and GMR, for $323.40 a year.
ASCAP
BMI
SESAC
GMR
What is BMI?
Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) was founded in 1939 and is the largest US PRO by membership, with a catalogue of around 22.4 million works spanning genres from country and Latin to hip-hop. It operates as a for-profit company.
What you're really paying for
Each PRO represents its own artists and songwriters, so licensing directly usually means a separate agreement with each. BMI fees range from $250 to $2,000 a year depending on venue size, industry and how music is used. Add ASCAP from around $390, plus SESAC and GMR at unpublished rates, and the total can pass $1,000 a year before you've paid for a music platform.
Why one licence isn't enough
Each PRO represents different songwriters. Switch licences on and off to see how much of a typical 12-song playlist you'd actually be covered for.
- 01Golden Hour DriveThe Pale CoastBMI
- 02Paper LanternsMila RhodesASCAP
- 03Somewhere BrighterJuniper LaneBMI
- 04Velvet MorningOtis CallowayASCAP
- 05Slow TideHarbour LightsSESAC
- 06Northern StaticAda & the WiresBMI
- 07LinenSoleil ParkASCAP
- 08Late BloomTheo MarshGMR
- 09Copper SkyThe FairweathersBMI
- 10Common GroundNina OkaforASCAP
- 11Blue HourMarlow & FinchBMI
- 12Wildflower RadioJune AshbyASCAP
Licensing directly vs SoundMachine
Typical annual cost for one small location.
- ASCAP from ~$390
- BMI from $250
- SESAC rate not published
- GMR rate not published
SoundMachine includes: All four US PROs for background music, plus stations, scheduling, messaging and integrations.
Plus a commercial music service and hardware, which direct licences don't include.
What could an unlicensed playlist cost?
US statutory damages for copyright infringement range from $750 to $150,000 per song, depending on whether the infringement is found to be willful.
9,277× the cost of a year of SoundMachine Business, from $323.40.
What the licences don't cover
SoundMachine's US and Canadian licences cover background music played through SoundMachine. These uses need separate licences:
- Live bands and performers
- DJs
- Karaoke
- Venues charging a cover or entry fee
- Other sources: radio, TV, CDs, MP3 players
Not sure about your venue? Ask our support team. They can point you to a music rights specialist.
How much does a BMI licence cost?
Typically $250 to $2,000 a year, depending on the nature and size of your business.
If I have BMI, do I need ASCAP too?
Very likely. BMI and ASCAP represent different songwriters, and SESAC and GMR represent others again.
Does SoundMachine's licence cover events with a cover charge?
No. Venues charging a cover or entry fee, live music, DJs and karaoke need separate licensing.
More licensing guides
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