When businesses think about background music, the first thought is usually playlists. But what many owners don’t realize is that music for public spaces is more than just pressing play. Between licensing laws, scheduling needs, and system compatibility, consumer platforms rarely cover everything a professional venue requires.
That’s where SoundMachine comes in. It offers complete music business solutions, combining legal coverage with powerful features for day-to-day music management. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included.
Full Licensing Coverage
One of the biggest challenges of playing music in a business is staying compliant with copyright law. In the United States, performance rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR represent different catalogs of artists. A retail store or restaurant that only licenses from one PRO may still be exposed to liability if songs from another catalog are played.
SoundMachine solves this by bundling licenses from all major PROs into a single subscription. That means full coverage across thousands of artists and publishers without the need to negotiate or track multiple contracts.
SoundMachine is available in more than 100 countries, giving businesses global access to its music catalog and tools. In the U.S., Canada, and Japan, subscriptions also include all major PRO licenses, ensuring complete legal coverage without the need to manage multiple contracts.
Access to a Vast Music Library
Licensing is just the starting point. SoundMachine provides access to 61 million licensed tracks and 500 plus playlists and stations, making it one of the largest catalogs available. This scale means businesses can always find music that fits their brand, their customers, and the time of day.
Alongside curated playlists designed by professionals, SoundMachine also gives businesses the flexibility to select music that fits their brand and atmosphere. Owners can choose from a wide variety of ready-made playlists, making it simple to set the right tone at any time of day. This balance of control and curation is what makes the platform flexible for everything from small cafés to large multi location chains.
Examples include:
- Relaxed morning playlists for cafés.
- Upbeat pop and rock mixes for gyms or retail stores.
- Smooth jazz or instrumental tracks for fine-dining restaurants.
This variety is what makes SoundMachine practical across industries, whether you’re running a boutique spa or a busy grocery chain.
Advanced Scheduling Tools
Music needs change throughout the day. A playlist that works for breakfast may not suit a dinner crowd. Rather than manually switching playlists, SoundMachine allows businesses to create schedules in advance.
Scheduling features include:
- Dayparting: Automate different stations for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late-night service.
- Seasonal adjustments: Pre-program holiday playlists or special event soundtracks.
- Multiple locations: Manage schedules across branches from one account.
This level of control ensures that music aligns with the atmosphere customers expect, without requiring staff intervention.
Custom Messaging System
SoundMachine goes beyond background music with its built-in messaging feature. Businesses can insert audio announcements between songs to promote products, services, or special events.
For example:
- A retail store can remind customers of a seasonal sale.
- A restaurant can announce happy hour or daily specials.
- A property manager can share lobby announcements, maintenance reminders, or upcoming community events.
Because messaging is integrated into the platform, timing can be carefully chosen so promotions feel natural and non-disruptive.
Seamless Integrations
SoundMachine offers one of the widest sets of integrations in the business-music space, making it easy to connect with professional audio and control systems already in place. Supported platforms include:
- Bluesound Professional
- Control4
- RTI
- Crestron
For those who prefer flexibility, SoundMachine also supports importing playlists directly from popular consumer platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. This makes the transition from personal to professional setups smoother, while still ensuring everything is properly licensed.
It’s worth noting that not all consumer platforms have remained available for business use. For instance, Apple Music for Business was discontinued, leaving many companies looking for alternatives. SoundMachine fills this gap by offering both legal compliance and tools tailored to business environments.
Why Consumer Services Don’t Work for Businesses
It’s tempting to think that a standard streaming service could work in a business setting. After all, platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora are popular and inexpensive. The problem is that consumer terms of use specifically prohibit public performance. Playing them in a commercial environment without the right license can lead to fines or lawsuits.
Beyond compliance, consumer services also lack features that businesses depend on:
- No ability to insert promotional messages.
- Limited scheduling options.
- No centralized control across multiple locations.
- No bundled PRO licensing.
SoundMachine is designed with these gaps in mind, offering a complete solution rather than a workaround.
Multi-Location and Multi-User Management
For chains or franchises, consistency is key. SoundMachine allows managers to oversee music across multiple locations from a single dashboard. Permissions can also be assigned so local staff have the right level of control, whether that’s simply adjusting volume or switching between approved playlists.
This is particularly useful for hospitality groups, gyms with several branches, or retail brands that want uniform branding without micromanaging every site.
Trial and Pricing Transparency
SoundMachine makes it easy for businesses to test the platform. Plans start with a 30-day free trial, allowing owners to experience the features and catalog before committing. Subscription tiers are transparent, with no long-term contracts required. This flexibility helps businesses of all sizes, from independent cafés to large retail chains, find a plan that suits their budget and needs.
Final Takeaway
What does SoundMachine include? Put simply, everything a business needs to run music legally and effectively. Licensing across ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR ensures compliance. A vast library of curated stations provides flexibility. Scheduling, messaging, and integration features give owners control. And unlike consumer platforms, it’s all designed with commercial use in mind.
For business owners, that combination means peace of mind and a better customer experience, without the headaches of piecing together multiple services.