Why You Need a Licence

Getting the right licence(s) is a legal requirement.

You may not be aware that you need a licence to use music in your business, but it is your responsibility to get the right licence(s) if you are playing music in public. Licences are also required by public and commercial broadcasters.

Individual artists and record companies worldwide mandate music licensing companies, such as Re:Sound, to license their work for public performance. This allows businesses and broadcasters to deal with a one-stop-shop that can grant them a licence to play recorded music and ensure that the licence fees are distributed fairly and accurately to artists and record companies.

Failure to obtain the required licence(s) may result in legal action.

Why you need a licence from Re:Sound AND SOCAN for the broadcast or public use of recorded music

Re:Sound represents the performance rights of artists and record companies while SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) does the same for composers and music publishers. Re:Sound and SOCAN are distinct organisations that represent different groups and as such, both are required to be compensated.