Music licensing is the process of granting permission to use a piece of music for a specific purpose, such as in a film, TV show, advertisement, or public performance.
There are a few main organiations in the UK for doing this, such as PRS, it is important to look these up and do your research before embaring on your music career.
Music licensing is necessary because music is protected by copyright law, which gives the creator of the music exclusive rights to control how their music is used. By obtaining a license, the person or entity using the music is granted legal permission to use the music in exchange for a fee paid to the copyright holder.
There are different types of music licenses, such as synchronization licenses for using music in film and TV, mechanical licenses for reproducing and distributing music, and public performance licenses for playing music in public places like restaurants and stores.
Benefits Of Music Licensing
Music licensing has several benefits for both music creators and businesses that use music in their operations.
For music creators, licensing their music helps them generate revenue by granting permission to businesses to use their music in exchange for a fee. This can provide a steady stream of income and help them gain exposure to a wider audience. Having your mucic played in stores, shops and in the public can really boost your image and give you greater validity in the eyes of the end consumer (listener).
For businesses, licensing music ensures that they are legally allowed to use the music in their operations without facing any copyright infringement issues. It also helps them enhance their brand image and create a better customer experience by using high-quality music that resonates with their audience.
Overall, music licensing is a mutually beneficial arrangement that helps music creators and businesses achieve their goals. It really is worth reasearching this area as a musician, finding ways to get your music played in as many outlets as possible, online and offline.
Source: TuneSick, 2023