SESAC music licensing for businesses
If you already hold ASCAP or BMI licences, they don't cover SESAC music. SESAC is invitation-only, doesn't publish its rates, and needs its own agreement.
Included with SoundMachine
SESAC public performance licensing for background music, together with ASCAP, BMI and GMR, for $323.40 a year.
ASCAP
BMI
SESAC
GMR
What is SESAC?
The Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC) was established in 1930. It's a for-profit, invitation-only PRO with a selective roster and a catalogue of over 1.5 million songs.
The cost of getting it wrong
Statutory damages start at $750 per song and can rise to $150,000 per song if infringement is found to be willful. A business may also have to cover SESAC's legal fees and court costs.
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.
Do ASCAP or BMI licences cover SESAC songs?
No. Each PRO represents different songwriters and publishers, so SESAC music needs a SESAC licence or a service that includes it.
How much does SESAC cost?
SESAC doesn't publish its rates. Fees are negotiated and are often at a premium because of its selective catalogue.
Does SoundMachine include SESAC?
Yes. SESAC, ASCAP, BMI and GMR public performance licences for background music are included in every US plan.
More licensing guides
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