What do BMI/ASCAP charge?

July 19, 2006 7:38 AM

How much does an average-sized restaurant pay ASCAP/BMI to play music?

The music would be from a personal CD collection. The restaurant would be in Austin, TX. The restaurant currently only exists in my imagination.

Secondary question: do you have to pay both BMI and ASCAP?

posted by popechunk to media & arts (10 comments total)

I'm aware that this is the third ASCAP question in the last day. Sorry.
posted by popechunk at 7:39 AM on July 19, 2006

Among the restaurants I know? They do not. Ever. You can get the ASCAP restaurant licensing form by requesting it here.
posted by RJ Reynolds at 7:49 AM on July 19, 2006

BMI's website has a licensing form that has fee calculations for restaraunts. Check it out. [PDF!]
posted by nitsuj at 7:56 AM on July 19, 2006

In Canada, everything goes through SOCAN, and if I read their info correctly it's about 12 cents a foot per month to play whatever recorded music you want, but there are a million different potential licenses involved so it's hard to give a definitive answer without contacting them about your specific situation.

But yes, you would have to go through both agencies depending on which one represented the artists you were looking to play. Discounts are possible if you're a member of certain associations as well.
posted by GhostintheMachine at 8:01 AM on July 19, 2006

And for the secondary question: (short answer) YES.

Individual artists/songs are licensed under either BMI/ASCAP. So if you're looking to throw in your CD collection and play it (rather than use a Jukebox type service where it plays all BMI or ASCAP music), then you'd better plan on paying both to avoid being sued.

BMI's website has a search function where you can type in an artist/songwriter/producer and see whether or not it's licensed by BMI. (Look at the bottom left-hand side of the website for the search box.)

ASCAP now has this feature as well. Last time I checked they didnt. Here it is.
posted by nitsuj at 8:02 AM on July 19, 2006

Individual artists/songs are licensed under either BMI/ASCAP.

Just to clear up any misunderstanding before it happens: not all bands/artists/whatevers are licensed under ASCAP or BMI, but just about all of the big names are. Check each licensing company's respective search database for a particular artist in question.
posted by nitsuj at 8:08 AM on July 19, 2006

Many businesses use music aggregating services like Muzak to have personalized playlists, up-to-date distribution of titles, *and* cover music/performer liscenses.

Often there is a price break over direct licensing for limited broadcast (much of the direct licensing covers broadcasters), plus you get a professionally crafted playlist with beat-matching/cross-fading and unparalelled variety (their catalog is absolutely massive).

New Yorker had a recent article about Muzak's history here.
posted by cowbellemoo at 8:18 AM on July 19, 2006

nitsuj, that is the exact type of answer I was looking for. I assume that the rates for ASCAP would be similar?
posted by popechunk at 8:30 AM on July 19, 2006

popechunk: No idea... but really, give them a call. I'm sure the love speaking with clients who are interested in paying them money!
posted by nitsuj at 8:40 AM on July 19, 2006

And, it's worth noting, the blanket licenses may or may not cover such things as the occasional mobile DJ, live performance, or karaoke show, even if you have them, unless you've discussed that in advance, as well.

So if you think those things might happen, read the license text carefully before signing.

But yes, they'll *love* to hear from you; so many places, as noted above, don't bother.`
posted by baylink at 9:13 AM on July 19, 2006