#Spotify music bar pro#
#Spotify music bar license#
#Spotify music bar tv#

#Spotify music bar pro#

Use a Karaoke Service: If you don’t want to pay the “big” PRO fees, you can opt to subscribe to a professional karaoke service like KaraFun.

Yes, Pay the PRO Fees: Paying PRO music licensing fees may also protect your bar if you run a karaoke night.

But hosting the occasional karaoke night could lead to legal issues without proper music licensing in place. Some bars build their entire concept around karaoke. It doesn’t matter if the DJ has paid her PRO fees, pay up as well to be protected.

Don’t Forget DJs: You could spin your way to a lawsuit if you haven’t paid PRO fees, and a DJ plays those Top 40 hits.

If Cover Bands are Your Jam…: If your crowd loves cover music, and it brings them through the door, pay the PRO music licensing fees – and let the band play on….

And it gets even more complicated…some local, independent artists have signed with PROs like BMI or ASCAP – meaning you need BMI or ASCAP music licensing to let them play at your bar. Your bar must also have the same PRO music licensing. Some musicians have purchased PRO rights themselves and can legally perform covers. Work with an attorney to create a contract outlining your bar’s music licensing policies.

Stick to Original Content Only: One option is to only hire local bands and musicians who perform their own songs.

Why? Because the bar didn’t pay any PRO fees, and the band played 10 songs licensed by BMI. BMI sued the bar for up to $1.5 million in damages. When a cover band played “Bad Moon Rising” in a Cleveland bar, it should have been a sign. No, we’re not talking about an offkey singer. The next step to playing it safe: understand the risk of hiring cover bands. Step 2) Cover Your Bar From Live Music Licensing Risks But if you host dance nights, live music, DJs, or karaoke…you’ll need to pay the PROs directly. If you just need background music, use a streaming service for around $30 a month. Assess how music fits into your overall business.

Be PROactive: Make space in your budget for music licensing and set up a plan with an attorney.

The “I thought it was junk mail” excuse didn’t hold up in court for a Tampa Bay bar hit by a $30,000 lawsuit. Contact your lawyer to decide next steps.

Don’t Toss PRO Letters in the Trash: If you’re contacted by a PRO about music licensing – either by mail, phone, or an in-person visit – don’t ignore it.

Check out the National Restaurant Association’s guide to music licensing for more information. Other factors are involved, like how many TVs and loudspeakers you have.

#Spotify music bar tv#

If your bar’s entire building is smaller than 3,750 square feet, you might be able to play music from the radio or TV without paying PRO fees. Each year, PROs file lawsuits with dozens of bars across America. Some bars like to live dangerously and skip music licensing fees.

#Spotify music bar license#

According to a June 2018 interview with a BMI rep, a BMI license could be as low as $370 a year ASCAP starts at $2 a day.

PROs customize a payment plan based on a bar’s square footage and other factors. For example, BMI claims that every other song on the radio is licensed by them. Each PRO has an online database so you can see which artists are represented. Some bars pay all 4 PROs for music licensing, others opt to pay a couple. The major PROs are BMI, SESAC, GMR, and ASCAP. But music licensing is…complicated (that’s why a chat with your lawyer is important). Streaming services are about $30 a month, but there are restrictions. The streaming service then pays your PRO fees. To legally play music at your bar, you need commercial music licensing from a PRO.Īnother option is to subscribe to a commercial streaming service like Pandora for Business. But those music licenses are only for personal, home use. Many bar managers make the mistake of playing CDs or their personal Spotify playlist.

Bars pay fees to PROs for rights to play the artist’s copyrighted music PROs then compensate the artists. PROs handle music licensing for most major artists – from Aerosmith to Zappa. It starts with performing rights organizations (PROs). The first step is learning the basics of music licensing for bars. Step 1) Become a Music Licensing PRO…So You Don’t Sing the Blues Talk to an attorney before you press play. Quick Note: This article isn’t legal advice. Seriously, see the latest research on bar and restaurant music. The right tunes can even increase drink sales by up to 40%. It’s a critical factor in setting the vibe at your bar. Learn the basics of music licensing for bars with this 5-step crash course for playing it safe.Īfter all, music matters. That is, if you want to avoid the risk of fines and lawsuits. When it comes to bar music, you gotta pay to play. Wait…you’ve paid your music licensing fees first, right? The crowd will love that mix of Top 40 and indie rock with a healthy dose of 90s rap. Finally, you’ve created the world’s best bar playlist.