Last updated: 24th June 2025.
BMI, SESAC and ASCAP are some of the more well-known Performance Rights Organizations (PROs). Did you know they are not the only ones? Over the past five years, Global Music Rights has made a name for itself as an up and coming PRO.
But what are PROs?
The way people and businesses play, purchase, listen to, and consume music has changed drastically in recent times. Revenues related to purchases of physical media and downloads are fading. Now, the attention is turning more than ever towards other sources of royalty revenues, such as performance rights. PROs play a major role collecting these rights and they monitor the compliance of businesses playing music in public.
PROs are in charge of administering the rights of songwriters and publishers. These duties include the collection and distribution of royalties on their behalf. It would be practically impossible for these creators to pick up their royalties one by one. There are too many instances, from digital platforms to physical venues, in which where their rights are being used. This network of agencies work to make sure that people pay all the royalties. In order to do this, they have close contact with different music platforms and checking physical locations, to collect and distribute them on the creators behalf.
Global Music Rights
Global Music Rights (GMR) started in 2013, making it the youngest of the US PRO,. Taking into account that BMI was created in 1939, SESAC in 1930, and ASCAP as far back as in 1914, GMR can be considered as a “baby” in the industry. Its founder, the music industry veteran Irving Azoff, created it as an alternative to the traditional performance rights model. The year after he created GMR, Billboard considered him the most powerful man in the music industry.
Because of his contacts in the music industry, it was easy for Azoff to get big names on board. The major advantage for the artists covered by GMR is that, unlike BMI or ASCAP, it is not regulated by statutory laws. This permits GMR to ask for higher royalties than what their creators receive from other PROs. Even though GMR has relatively few creators in comparison to other PROs, they do have some major names. Their catalog includes Bruno Mars, Drake, Chris Cornwell, Harry Styles, John Lennon, Bon Jovi, Pharrell Williams, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Idol.
Royalties in the Modern World
Azoff argues that consent decrees, the agreements in which royalty payments are based, have not been updated to take into account the way music consumption has evolved over the years. He argues that this has led to low royalty rates for digital music performances such as streaming and distribution in physical venues.
GMR prides itself on being an active and progressive advocate for creators in the performing rights marketplace, according to Azoff. “We are committed to protecting the integrity of music rights and promoting the value of intellectual property on behalf of creators”.
As a business venue that wants to have access to the right content, you have to make sure that you are also covered for GMR. Their small, but strong, artist base makes it essential to use their licenses to access all the music you want. Like this, you can avoid upsetting surprises with fines. SoundMachine is in tight collaboration with Global Music Rights, as well as all other collecting societies. And therefore, we will cover you no matter what sort of stations you create with our new custom station features.
How Global Music Rights Works
GMR operates as a boutique, for-profit PRO. It negotiates licensing agreements directly with businesses, tailoring each deal based on usage, venue size, and industry. Most businesses receive a blanket license, which grants access to the full GMR catalog for one fee.
To ensure clarity, GMR provides a downloadable, searchable catalog of licensed works. The organization also monitors unauthorized use, issuing infringement notices or pursuing legal action when necessary.
GMR Pricing Overview
GMR does not publish standard pricing. Rates are determined through direct negotiation based on specific business needs.
The major advantage for the artists covered by GMR is that, unlike BMI or ASCAP, it is not regulated by statutory laws. This permits GMR to ask for higher royalties than what their creators receive from other PROs. While this results in potentially higher licensing costs, it also allows for more tailored compensation based on market value.
Many businesses choose to license with GMR in addition to having an ASCAP license, BMI license, and SESAC license to ensure full legal coverage.
SoundMachine offers full coverage for all major PROs, including GMR, as part of a complete music-for-business solution. For a flat annual fee of $323.40, licensing is included along with curated stations, custom playlists, scheduling tools, and platform integrations. It’s not just licensing, it’s the full package.
How Does Global Music Rights Stack Up Against Other PROs?
Though its catalog is smaller, GMR represents some of the most influential names in music today. Below is a comparison chart to help you understand how GMR fits into the broader landscape of PROs and why its unique approach matters, especially for businesses seeking comprehensive music licensing.
| Feature | ASCAP | BMI | SESAC | GMR |
| Business Structure | Member-owned nonprofit | For-profit | For-profit, invitation-only | For-profit, invitation-only |
| Membership | ~1 million+ members Source | ~1.4 million+ members Source | ~15,000+ members Source | 163 members Source |
| Catalog Size | ~20 million songs Source | ~22.4 million songs Source | ~1.5 million songs Source | ~111,000 songs Source |
| Typical Cost | $390 minimum cost Source | $250-$2000 Source | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Notable Artists | Stevie Wonder, Katy Perry, Beyoncé | Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Rihanna | Adele, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond | Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, Drake |
PRO Licensing Costs: What You’re Really Paying For
The typical costs for Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) vary depending on their business model and how transparent they are about pricing. These fees are what businesses pay to legally play music in a commercial space using content from artists represented by each PRO.
- ASCAP license costs start at $390 per year.
- BMI license costs range from $250 to $2,000, depending on factors like business size, industry, and music usage.
- SESAC and GMR are invitation-only, for-profit organizations that do not publish their pricing, although their rates are often negotiated at a higher premium due to their exclusive catalogs.
Even using conservative estimates, a business could end up paying over $1,000 each year just to license music from these four PROs. That does not include the cost of music content or the technology platform needed to actually stream it.
With SoundMachine, all of these licensing costs are already included. For just $323.40 annually, your business gets full legal coverage for ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR, along with a complete music streaming solution. This includes curated stations, custom playlist tools, scheduling features, and integration with systems like Sonos and Crestron. In other words, it is a fraction of the cost with far more value and simplicity.
Legal and Compliance Considerations
Playing music publicly without a proper license can result in serious legal consequences. Fines range from $200 to $150,000 per unlicensed work.
GMR actively enforces its rights but does not pursue infringement claims for works that are not listed in its current public catalog. This policy reduces risk for licensees who follow due diligence.
Why Global Music Rights Matters for Your Business
If your business plays music publicly, you need to make sure that you are fully licensed. This includes having proper coverage for Global Music Rights, not just BMI, ASCAP or SESAC. GMR’s smaller but high-profile artist base makes their catalogue essential for full global music licensing compliance. Without coverage, you may risk fines or missing access to some of today’s most popular music.
At SoundMachine, we work closely with Global Music Rights and all major US collecting societies to ensure your business is properly licensed for music streaming in the United States. If your business operates internationally, additional local licensing may be required depending on your country’s regulations. Our platform simplifies the music experience with curated stations, custom playlists, and compliance tools to help you focus on your brand while we help manage the US licensing side.