To further complicate this issue:
My understanding is that there are many royalty licensing companies, but these are the top 3:
ASCAP
SESAC
BMI
These 3 represent about 95% of the artists out there. Technically, you should check which one of them your artist is affiliated with, to make sure you are allowed to play it. ASCAP is the larger of the 3, but only covers a percentage of music you can play.
I believe if you are selling the CD that is playing, and have it on display as such, it may become a non issue.
Skating/roller rinks, aerobics instructors, retail stores, high school or marching bands, and even folks singing "happy birthday to you" are not exempt from this law, which has some stiff fines - if enforced. I did some research and its surprising how much legal clout they have.
Exempt: Religious organizations, non profit institutions, stores selling music, government, state fairs, movie houses, etc
Mike
"the only time you do not have to pay to use music is when you are sitting in your home or automobile listening to the radio with your family. And in that case, the radio station paid for you to hear the music with blanket licenses from ASCAP and BMI, and you pay by listening to the station's commercials. Every other possible use of music legally requires the payment of a licensing fee. "
http://www.woodpecker.com/writing/essays/royalty-politics.html
My understanding is that there are many royalty licensing companies, but these are the top 3:
ASCAP
SESAC
BMI
These 3 represent about 95% of the artists out there. Technically, you should check which one of them your artist is affiliated with, to make sure you are allowed to play it. ASCAP is the larger of the 3, but only covers a percentage of music you can play.
I believe if you are selling the CD that is playing, and have it on display as such, it may become a non issue.
Skating/roller rinks, aerobics instructors, retail stores, high school or marching bands, and even folks singing "happy birthday to you" are not exempt from this law, which has some stiff fines - if enforced. I did some research and its surprising how much legal clout they have.
Exempt: Religious organizations, non profit institutions, stores selling music, government, state fairs, movie houses, etc
Mike
"the only time you do not have to pay to use music is when you are sitting in your home or automobile listening to the radio with your family. And in that case, the radio station paid for you to hear the music with blanket licenses from ASCAP and BMI, and you pay by listening to the station's commercials. Every other possible use of music legally requires the payment of a licensing fee. "
http://www.woodpecker.com/writing/essays/royalty-politics.html