Play music legally and confidently in your business with the right public performance licences. In the United States, this includes obtaining coverage from organizations such as SESAC to ensure your music use complies with copyright law and supports the rights of songwriters and publishers. We make the SESAC music licensing process straightforward, affordable, and hassle-free, so you can focus on your business while staying fully protected.
Under United States copyright law, any business that plays music in a public setting must obtain a public performance license. This applies whether the music is live, recorded, or streamed. It also applies regardless of how the music is played, including CDs, TV, streaming platforms, radio, or live bands.
SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers) is a recognized Performing Rights Organization (PRO) that provides these licenses. A SESAC music licensing agreement gives your business legal permission to play over 1.5 million songs from its catalog.
If your business already holds a license from ASCAP or BMI, it is important to understand that those licenses do not cover SESAC music. Each PRO represents different songwriters and publishers, so a separate SESAC music licensing arrangement is needed to play the music they represent.
This legal requirement applies to all kinds of businesses. Whether you operate a café, retail store, salon, fitness studio, bar, hotel, restaurant or event space, you need the correct license if you play music in your venue.
A SESAC music licensing agreement allows businesses to legally play music from SESAC’s catalogue in a public setting, but there are specific limitations to keep in mind. The standard license does not authorize live performances by hired bands, DJs performing at your venue, or the use of music for karaoke. These activities usually require additional permissions and fall outside the scope of standard licensing terms.
If your business charges a cover fee, admission price, or any form of entry payment, this may also require separate licensing. Charging customers to access music performances typically introduces different licensing obligations that are not included in the standard SESAC agreement.
It is also important to note that a SESAC license only covers music within SESAC’s repertoire. If your business plays music from other sources such as radio, television, CDs, or digital files, you may need additional licences from other rights organizations. Using music in this way without full coverage could lead to copyright liability.
SoundMachine is available in over 100 countries worldwide, helping businesses deliver licensed background music in a wide range of international markets. Our service includes bundled licensing coverage for the United States, Canada, and Japan through direct agreements with major Performing Rights Organizations (PROs).
In other countries, while SoundMachine provides licensed music content, additional public performance licenses may be required from your local performing rights organization to ensure full legal compliance with regional copyright laws. These local PROs manage performance rights on behalf of artists and publishers in their territories.
We are happy to help you understand what local permissions might be needed based on your country, business type, and how music is used in your space. For questions or assistance, please contact our support team. We aim to make the licensing process as simple and clear as possible.
What is SESAC Licensing?
SESAC (originally the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers) is a for-profit performing rights organization (PRO) in the United States. It represents songwriters, composers, and music publishers by licensing their work for public performance in places like businesses, radio, television, and digital platforms. Unlike other PROs, SESAC operates on an invitation-only basis, offering a more selective and boutique approach to rights management. It collects licence fees from music users and distributes royalties to its members when their music is publicly performed. If your business plays music covered by SESAC’s catalogue, having a licence ensures you're using it legally and supporting the artists behind the work.
Why does my business need a SESAC license if I already have ASCAP or BMI?
ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC each represent different collections of music. A license from ASCAP or BMI does not cover songs licensed by SESAC. To play music from all sources legally, you need licenses from all relevant PROs.
What types of businesses need a SESAC license?
Any business that plays music for customers or the public needs a license if they use SESAC-represented songs. This includes restaurants, shops, gyms, hotels, salons, event venues, and more.
How much does a SESAC license cost for my business?
The cost varies based on factors such as business type, size, number of locations, and how music is used (background, live, DJ, etc.).
What happens if I play SESAC music without a license?
Your business could face legal action. Statutory damages can range from $750 to $150,000 per song. You may also be responsible for paying SESAC’s legal fees and could lose the right to use their music in the future.
Is a SESAC license a one-time payment or a recurring fee?
SESAC licenses are typically billed on an annual basis. While you can obtain a license directly through SESAC, many businesses prefer to simplify the process by using a service like SoundMachine. We handle the licensing on your behalf, provide properly licensed music, and offer flexible subscription options that include SESAC coverage. To learn more or to get started, contact us.
Handling music licensing on your own can be overwhelming and time-consuming. SoundMachine makes it easy by covering all major performing rights organizations, including ASCAP, BMI, GMR, and SESAC, starting at just $26.95 per month. You can even import your Spotify playlists and start playing properly licensed music in your business right away. Try it free for one month by clicking here.