Skip ASCAP, BMI, SESAC & GMR.
Just $6.99/month.
Fully licensed background music for your business — without four separate PRO fees. Save over $1,000 every year.
ASCAP + BMI + SESAC + GMR vs Melodial: what you actually pay
In the US, playing music in your business can require licenses from up to four Performing Rights Organizations — each charging separately. None of them provide the music. Melodial includes both the music and the license in one subscription.
| Business Type | PRO Fees + Music Source | Melodial | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small retail store (under 2,000 sq ft) |
$1,200+per year (4 PROs + streaming) | $83.88per year (music + license) | $1,116+per year |
| Restaurant or café (under 3,000 sq ft) |
$2,500+per year (4 PROs + streaming) | $83.88per year (music + license) | $2,416+per year |
| Hair or beauty salon | $800+per year (4 PROs + streaming) | $83.88per year (music + license) | $716+per year |
| Gym or fitness studio (recorded music, classes) |
$2,000–$5,000+per year (4 PROs + streaming) | $83.88per year (music + license) | $1,916–$4,916+per year |
PRO fees based on published ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC rate schedules for commercial establishments. SESAC and GMR fees are negotiated individually. PRO fees do not include a music streaming service. Melodial includes both the music and the license in one subscription.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | Melodial | ASCAP/BMI/SESAC/GMR |
|---|---|---|
| Music included | ✓ | ✗ license only |
| Commercial license included | ✓ | ✓ (per PRO) |
| Number of licenses needed | 1 | Up to 4 |
| ASCAP fees | $0 | $300–$800+/yr |
| BMI fees | $0 | $250–$700+/yr |
| SESAC fees | $0 | Negotiated |
| GMR fees | $0 | Negotiated |
| Pricing | $6.99/month flat | Varies by PRO, size, type |
| Annual audits or reporting | None | May be required per PRO |
| Certificate of Compliance | ✓ instant download | ✗ |
| Mobile app (iOS & Android) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Voice announcements | ✓ AI-powered | ✗ |
| No explicit lyrics | ✓ guaranteed | Depends on your music source |
| Cancel anytime | ✓ | Annual contracts per PRO |
How can Melodial skip the PROs?
ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR collect license fees on behalf of songwriters, composers, and publishers. If you play music from their catalogs — which includes virtually all mainstream music — you need a license from each PRO that represents the songwriters.
Melodial is a completely different model. We own or directly license every track in our catalog. None of our music is registered with ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR, or any other collecting society. No royalties to collect means no license fees to pay.
Your Melodial subscription is your license. It covers the music and the right to play it commercially — all in one payment.
Certificate of Compliance included. Download a PDF from your account that proves your music is fully licensed. If any PRO contacts you, show them the certificate. You're covered.
What happens if you play unlicensed music?
PROs actively pursue businesses playing unlicensed music. ASCAP and BMI employ field agents who visit businesses, and lawsuits for copyright infringement are common.
Statutory damages of $750 to $150,000 per song. Under US copyright law, a single evening of unlicensed background music could expose your business to massive liability. There are hundreds of federal court cases against small businesses every year. This isn't theoretical.
With Melodial, you're fully compliant from the moment you subscribe. No risk, no paperwork, no surprise lawsuits.
Already paying for Spotify or Apple Music? It doesn't cover commercial use. Their terms of service explicitly prohibit playing music in a business. Even with a paid subscription, you still need PRO licenses — and that's $1,200+ per year on top of your streaming subscription. Melodial replaces both.
How Melodial compares to other business music services
Other commercial music providers charge significantly more — and most still require separate PRO licenses on top.
| Provider | Monthly Cost | PRO Licenses Included? | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melodial | $6.99 | ✓ Not needed | $83.88 |
| Soundtrack Your Brand | $29.99+ | ✗ Extra | $1,560+with PRO fees |
| Rockbot | $24.95+ | ✓ Included | $299+ |
| Mood Media | $45+ | ✗ Negotiated | $1,740+with PRO fees |
What's included for $6.99/month?
Curated Music Streams
Radio-style stations for every mood and venue — café acoustic, jazz lounge, chill pop, upbeat dance, and more. New tracks added regularly.
Full Commercial License
Play music legally in any business premises. No ASCAP. No BMI. No SESAC. No GMR. Your subscription is your license.
Mobile App (iOS & Android)
Browse genres, create playlists, download tracks for offline playback. Control your music from your phone.
No Explicit Content
Every track is family-friendly. No swearing, no awkward moments with customers. Safe for all venues and all ages.
Voice Announcements
Create AI-powered voice ads that play between tracks — promote daily specials, welcome messages, or events. No recording equipment needed.
Certificate of Compliance
Download your official license certificate instantly from your account. Show it to any PRO that contacts you.
Switch from ASCAP/BMI in 3 minutes
Frequently asked questions
Is Melodial a legitimate alternative to ASCAP and BMI?
Can I really cancel all four PRO licenses?
What if a PRO contacts my business?
Do you have mainstream artists like Taylor Swift or Drake?
What if I still play some radio or Spotify alongside Melodial?
How does Melodial compare to Soundtrack Your Brand or Rockbot?
How does US music licensing actually work?
Can I cancel anytime?
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