SAMPRA represents the rights of recording artists, featured and non-featured performers, musicians and record companies in commercially released sound recordings. These are often called neighbouring or needletime rights.
They are different from the copyright in the underlying composition and lyrics, which SAMRO administers for authors, composers and publishers. Playing one recording can therefore involve both organisations.
Read SAMPRA's explanation of neighbouring rights for the current rights description.
You do not need a separate SAMPRA 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 SAMPRA'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 SAMPRA 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 SAMPRA licensing questions.