What recording rights does Recorded Music NZ represent?

Recorded Music NZ represents copyright in sound recordings and acts for recording artists and rights holders that authorise it to license their recordings in New Zealand.

These are different from the rights in the musical work, such as the composition and lyrics, which are administered by APRA AMCOS. Playing a commercial recording can therefore involve both rights layers.

The Recorded Music NZ rights holder information explains who can authorise Recorded Music NZ to license recordings.

You do not need a separate Recorded Music NZ 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 Recorded Music NZ'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 Recorded Music NZ 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 Recorded Music New Zealand licensing questions.