Why do I need a SOCAN music license?
A SOCAN license grants your business permission to use music in a specific way, and it’s quite straightforward to work with SOCAN to obtain the right license to play music. When a business uses music, it’s adding value by using the work of music creators and publishers. Those who composed, wrote, and published the song are entitled to be compensated for the time, effort, and money they put into the creation and promotion of that work when that music is played in public. In accordance with Canada’s Copyright Act, any public performance of copyright-protected musical works requires a license. When a song is played in public, music creators (not just the performers) are entitled to be compensated – it supports their livelihood. Without SOCAN, you would have to get permission from every composer, songwriter, and publisher of every musical work you intend to use in your business –a feat that most of us have neither the time nor the means to achieve. This permission isn’t granted when you buy a recording, whether through a CD, downloading, etc., which only allows you to privately use the purchased music. SOCAN simplifies this complex process for businesses through licenses. A SOCAN license grants your business permission to use music in a specific way, and it’s easy to work with SOCAN to obtain the right license to play music.
