The Myth of Importing Spotify Playlists for Business Music

Using a personal music service like Spotify in your business is increasingly common these days. But what most people don’t realize is that using Spotify in a commercial environment is actually illegal. Often business owners end up finding out the hard way, with a court case or fine. Not only does using a personal music […]

ASCAP, BMI Consent Decrees

As if businesses didn’t have enough to worry about in terms of increased costs and regulations, now we learn that businesses that play music could be paying a lot more in music licensing costs if the U.S. Department of Justice scraps or modifies nearly 80-year-old antitrust protections as requested by music licensing agencies ASCAP and […]

Hello, it’s ASCAP. Is Your Music Licensed and Legal?

Has your business received an email or letter similar to this one? I recently sent you a package of information explaining copyright licensing for the music in your establishment.  Included in that package was the ASCAP license agreement and invoice for fees. I hope you have had the time to review this information.    As […]

Music For Your Business: Watch Out For Problems When Trying To Do-It-Yourself

Many business owners, especially owners of restaurants, bars and coffee shops, like to play “their own music” – meaning music they have on their iPod, iTunes, iPad or CD’s. It gives them a feeling of control to get the sound they want in their restaurant or retail store. These do-it-yourselfers also see it as a […]

Should I Be Using These Online Music Apps For My Business?

We get asked this question frequently from managers and owners of small and medium-size businesses: “Should I be using any of the new online music apps for my in-store music?” There are lots of apps and web sites that are getting loads of publicity and buzz.  People are using computers, iPads and mobile phones to […]

How Much Would You Pay for Music in Your Business?

When music is played in a business, the business owners are required to pay copyright royalties on the songs. By using most credible music services, like Custom Channels, Muzak, Mood Media, or RockBot, music licensing is included in the monthly fee along with managing and delivering the music mix. It IS possible to create your […]

High Music Repetition on SiriusXM

We’ve talked to people in retail, restaurants, and offices who use SiriusXM satellite radio. The word that keeps being repeated is repetition. Owners and employees tell us they hear the same songs repeated all the time on SiriusXM radio channels. It’s no wonder. We looked at how often the same songs got played during the […]

There’s a better way to enjoy music than Pandora on an iPad at the counter

I recently visited a coffee shop where the music plays from an iPad at the counter. That iPad is primarily used as the POS (point of sale) so it’s constantly in use tallying orders and swiping credit cards with a card reader attached. I wasn’t surprised when the music stopped. No sound for about 5 […]