What is BMI?

BMI, or Broadcast Music, Inc., is a US performing rights organisation. It licenses public performances of musical works for the songwriters, composers and music publishers it represents.

For a business, a public performance can include music played for customers or employees, live music, radio, television and certain digital uses. BMI's licence concerns the musical work, not automatically the sound recording.

Start with the official BMI licensing information when checking a US business requirement.

You do not need a separate BMI licence if you only use MelloJam

If your business plays only MelloJam music through the MelloJam player, you are not using music from the repertoire covered by BMI's licensing route. MelloJam's original catalogue and the commercial playback rights it controls are included in your MelloJam plan, so you do not need a separate licence from BMI for the MelloJam playback itself.

A separate non-waivable venue charge can still apply where local law imposes one. Radio, television, Spotify, other recordings, live music, DJs, events, copying and online use are outside the MelloJam plan.

Back to all BMI licensing questions.