Licensing Is More Important Than You Think

What is a “performance right?” The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) have been trying to define this phrase for 102 years and still have yet to create an answer. Music licensing plays a part anywhere a customer may hear music: from a local coffee shop, to your favorite reality singing competition, to big budget movies. No matter where you heard that music, odds are it was a ‘performance’ and therefore needed permission from a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) before it was played.

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Correctly gaining performance right permission from PROs, such as ASCAP, SESAC or BMI, can be a difficult process. All three host similar missions to create a bridge between songwriters and businesses so artists may be compensated for their works being displayed. A multitude of laws intermingle with these missions, however, creating very specific qualifications for each type of business to be able to display an artist’s work. In order to identify whether this affects your business, as an individual you would have to go through the hassle of obtaining legal rights to every song, or else face the possible liability of copyright infringement. 

Most businesses find it easier to involve a third party such as NiaSounds to take care of all the careful requirements outlined by ASCAP to ensure everyone is compensated for the works used. With access to hundreds of tracks, NiaSounds’ experience securing the tracks and rights you need becomes much simpler for businesses busy making their product the best that they can be. 

Contact us for licensing opportunities or to have a custom soundtrack curated for your project.