How to promote music in Europe | How to broadcast music in store

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What does Soundreef do?

Soundreef is the most progressive and efficient music rights management company in Europe. In one simple package, your alternative to music copyright collection societies such as GEMA, BUMA/STEMRA, STIM, SIAE, SGAE and TONO. We specialize in background music for retail chains (electronics, clothing, furniture, etc.), supermarkets, malls, restaurants, and more.
We collect and distribute royalties to respective songwriters, publishers and/or labels for the music played in in-store radio channels using our playlists.

Does Soundreef work as an intermediary for other copyright collection societies such as GEMA, BUMA/STEMRA, STIM, SIAE, SGAE and TONO?

No, we are not an intermediary for other collection societies; instead, we are their competitor. Soundreef intermediates music copyrights – both publishing (composition) copyrights and master recording (neighboring) rights - for the broadcasting of background music in commercial establishments.

Which are the traditional copyright collection societies in my country?

You can view the list of music copyright collection societies by country here.
For businesses operating in Europe, we are an alternative to local music copyright collection societies for the broadcasting of background music. We can work with artists from all over the world.

What is the difference between a Copyright Collecting Society and a Performance Rights Organization (PROs)?

A copyright collecting society (also known as a copyright collective or licensing agency) engages in collective rights management. Collecting societies collect royalty payments from users of copyrighted works and distribute royalties to right holders. PROs provide more specific intermediary functions, notably royalty collection between right-holders and commercial establishments that wish to use copyrighted works publicly. Although copyright collecting societies are a more general term than PROs (because they are not limited to performances), in some countries PROs are referred to as copyright collecting societies.

Is Soundreef legal?

Absolutely. Soundreef operates in full compliance with European regulations on competition. This great new opportunity offered by Soundreef was made possible through a recent decision made by the European Commission. In fact, in July 2008, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Competition reminded music rights management companies operating in Europe that there cannot be any territorial restrictions on the target market and, therefore, Soundreef and every other collecting society can operate throughout Europe (Antitrust: IP/08/1165 Brussels, 16 July 2008). The CISAC decision also reinforces the fundamental principle that no one single company can have a monopoly over collective rights management in Europe, because other collecting societies must at least have the option of pursuing business throughout the Single European Market. Soundreef operates throughout Europe and allows you to avoid having to purchase licenses through your traditional local copyright collecting society for the music played in your business establishment. All of our services are provided in keeping with the law and we have proven our transparency in complying with the decisions made by the European Commission.

Have you already worked in Europe, where local collection societies have been traditionally used?

We work in Europe, and particularly in Italy, Spain, UK, France & Sweden - where thousands of establishments use music supplied by Soundreef in supermarkets, clothing and electronics stores, shopping centers, sports centers, fairs and restaurants. More than 17 million listeners a month are exposed to our radio channels.

What type of music does Soundreef offer?

We feature over 150,000 quality songs belonging to labels, songwriters and publishers – both independent and famous - that cover a wide range of genres such as Rock, Pop, Lounge, House, Jazz and Classical. We carefully curate our international music catalog every day, adding new pieces based on industry expertise, trends, client demands, and academic research. We find the right music purposefully chosen for background broadcasting.

How can I switch to Soundreef?

Soundreef is a company with proven international success, yet which also boasts legal expertise at a local level. We use this experience to serve you and guide you right from contract set-up:
• all of your business locations will receive a Soundreef certificate attesting to your exemption from payment to your local copyright collecting society, in addition to a sticker that can be displayed in store windows
• we provide artistic and procedures information/assistance and support concerning any potential inquiries received from your local copyright collecting society
• our lawyers will provide assistance to legal questions within 4 working days

How does Soundreef supply the music?

There are different ways that Soundreef can supply music to commercial establishments

- working directly with your In-Store Radio agency
- via streaming
- an MP3 reader with the tracks

In what way does Soundreef collaborate with my In-Store Radio agency?

Soundreef passes a large targeted music playlist to the In-Store Radio company which then picks which tracks to include in the final compilation. Once they add the promotional voice overs, communications, and other audio materials, they give you the complete and finished program ad usually done. All while spending less than with traditional collecting societies.

What does Soundreef do?

Soundreef is a European collecting society, similar to Performing Rights Organizations in the US, that intermediates music rights – both Publishing copyrights (composition) & Master Recordings - for the broadcasting of background music in commercial establishments in the name of international right holders, songwriters, publishers and labels in Europe. Soundreef is specialized in licenses for background music use by commercial establishments (such as retail stores, supermarkets, malls, restaurants), giving these in turn the possibility to avoid paying the other traditional national collecting societies. Our royalty distribution system allows the right-holder to track where their music is playing, how much they are earning, and when they will be paid – 24/7 online.

Does Soundreef work as an intermediary for other copyright collection societies such as ASCAP, BMI, SIAE, GEMA, BUMA/STEMRA, & STIM?

No, we are not intermediaries for other collection societies; instead, we are their competitors. In one simple package, Soundreef directly intermediates music copyrights – both Publishing copyrights (a.k.a copyright or composition) and Master Recording rights (a.k.a related, neighboring) - for the broadcasting of background music in businesses in Europe.

Which are the traditional copyright collection societies in my country?

You can view the list of music copyright collection societies by country here.
For artists, we are an international alternative that allows them to collect European royalties directly without any other intermediaries. For businesses in countries belonging to the European Union, we are an alternative to national copyright collection societies for the broadcasting of background music.

What is the difference between a Copyright Collecting Society and a Performance Rights Organizations (PROs)?

A copyright collecting society (also known as a copyright collective or licensing agency) engages in collective rights management. Collecting societies collect royalty payments from users of copyrighted works and distribute royalties to copyright owners. PROs provide more specific intermediary functions, notably royalty collection between right-holders and commercial establishments that wish to use copyrighted works publicly. Although copyright collecting societies are a more general term than PROs (because they are not limited to performances), in some countries PROs are referred to as copyright collecting societies.

What territories does Soundreef collect publishing and master rights for?

Soundreef collects royalties in Italy, Spain, UK, France & Sweden but from time to time we can close deals in other European countries. We will possibly expand outside Europe in 2013. You can let us know if there are any territories you do not want us to manage. We can collect royalties for artists and right holders from all over the world.

Can Soundreef manage all my royalties? For example online streaming, performance, etc.? Will Soundreef start collecting digital royalties in the near future?

At the moment Soundreef only intermediates royalties pertaining to the broadcasting of registered music in a public space for commercial purposes. However, we are planning to include other types of royalties soon, for example public performance and online streaming.

Unfortunately though, our future plans need to stay private for the time being. But we can assure you that we great projects coming up.

So is it possible to be registered with the local collecting society and also be registered with Soundreef?

Yes, it is possible. You can assign the collecting of royalties for background music use to Soundreef and have your other rights assigned to your local collecting society (ex. radio, television, internet). If your local copyright collecting society tells you that this is not possible, please contact us and we will help you. You can also choose to manage
your royalties using different collecting societies for different territories, allowing you to choose Soundreef as your representative only for certain territories. For more info, read our blog post: http://blog.soundreef.com/blog/page/more-than-one-collecting-society

Can a Record Label that does not control 100% of the publishing and master rights register with Soundreef?

We are aware that often in the current music industry, the publisher and the label of a particular track are not always the same organization, but we also think that in the near future this distinction will greatly soften and organizations will control both publishing and master rights. Specifically for independent music. Therefore, when we started Soundreef.com we decided to try relating with only one "Representative" that could sign both rights to Soundreef. You can start by submitting only the music for which you own or control 100% master and publishing rights or you can talk to the publishers that are most familiar to you and discuss with them the possibility for you to represent their rights when registering with Soundreef.
In the future, we will develop tools that will help publishers and master rights owner coordinate and sign with Soundreef.com and then collect and split the royalties that Soundreef pays to the representative.

We control both master and publishing, but our publishing is administered by X. is that an issue?

We do not know. It depends on the terms of your agreement with X. You can show them our Membership Agreement and a get feedback from them. Or you can introduce us to them. We would be happy to network with them.

Is Soundreef legal?

How much does the registration cost?

Soundreef registration and membership are always free. We only split the royalties after music is used and played (50/50), which means we will try our best to get the biggest play count possible for you.

What type of contract is signed with Soundreef?

Non-exclusive agreement for the European Union territory that can be terminated anytime with a 60-day written
notice.

We split royalties 50/50, and have a traceable system which allows you to get your payments every time your music
plays. Your rights are 100% yours and you can rest assured that we will never re-title any of your songs.

Your other royalties (ex. radio, television, internet) and territories (ex. USA, Asia, etc.) can still be collected by the
collecting society you chose or currently use.

What type of music does Soundreef broadcast?

We feature over 150,000 songs, covering a wide range of genres such as Rock, Pop, Lounge, House, Jazz and Classical. Our music library is comprised of 100% studio recorded and mostly label-signed independent musicians – all filtered and approved for quality and appropriateness for background music use – but not top-chart music.

The preferred genres are pop/rock, lounge/chill out, R&B/soul, electronica/ambient, dance/house, classical and jazz. Both vocal and instrumental tracks are good. Music that is not “background-music friendly” will not get played.

Who can register with Soundreef?

Right Holders (songwriters, content providers, aggregators and record labels, etc) both big and small can register as long as they comply with a few requirements. To find out if you can register, take our eligibility test here (http://www.soundreef.com/joining-form-eligibility-test)

If any of the below apply to your songs, they are NOT eligible:
- You do not own or control 100% of the master and publishing rights.
- The songs are registered to a society other than: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, APRA, SIAE or SGAE.
- The songs are registered to more than one collecting society or PRO.

What type of music can I register with Soundreef?

Keep in mind our catalog is used for public broadcasting in business establishments such as retail stores, restaurants, etc.

The genres that get the most playlist insertions and plays are:
Pop / Rock
Lounge / Chill out
R&B / Soul
Electronica / Ambient
Dance / House
Jazz
Classical
Both vocal and instrumental tracks are good.

Music that is not “background-music friendly” will not get played and will not receive earnings.

Please do not register:
Metal, Goth, Hard Rock, Punk, Grunge
Psychedelic, Rockabilly
Blues, Country
Hardcore Techno, Experimental or Industrial
Hardcore Hip-Hop/Rap
Traditional Folk
Christian & Gospel (Christmas music is OK)

Other guidelines:
No profanity, offensive, Inappropriate or violent lyrics.
No live music, low production quality, over-processed mixes.
Must be studio recorded and of good sound quality.
No Jingles, no samples.
No copyright infringement or suspected copyright infringement (No covers, samples or remixes!).

Alternate versions of your own music are ok as long as they are labeled correctly.

Do I receive promotion through Soundreef?

Of course. We put your music in our radio channels and you'll always know where it is played. Earn royalties while you broadcast your music in thousands of retail outlets in Europe, promoting your music with a targeted audience that has already been studied to like your genre and style.

Do you promote/distribute info about new releases, signings, or anything that's newsworthy?

For the time being we only place your music in our in-store radio channels and pay your your earnings directly to you. From time to time we will highlight our artists in certain radio channels.

Can you give me an idea of what a rightholder or label could hope to make on average monthly and annually?

We never give estimates. It would not be fair. Your earnings depend on too many factors including your music genres and the number of songs registered with Soundreef.
However, we would like to remind you that we are continuously finding extra revenue and exposure in business channels which rarely used independent and non-top-chart music in the past. Registration is free, fast and easy.
We do the work for you. If at any moment you feel you were earning more for the same type of royalty in the European territories, you can cancel your membership within 60 days written notice.

Is the 50/50 split equal for all artists? Is it going to change in the near future?

Our basic commitments are equality, transparency and simplicity. We will never cut different deals in private. The day (if ever) we will agree to different percentage splits for different right holders we will do it in public.
We take 50% because we have lots of expenses such as:

• We are developing a super tracking system for your royalties. You are able to look at where your music is being played, how much you will earn and when you will be paid. And we always pay analytically. We never do sampling.
• Create tailor made radio channels for clients, which means selecting thousands of songs and managing various channels for maximum exposure 24/7/365.
• Getting large store chains to cut deal directly with us (we have experienced and expensive sales people to work in the EU territories at a local level)
• Defend our clients from the local collecting societies: We spend a chunk of our 50% in legal fees. Each client that passes to Soundreef music catalogs has a dedicated toll free number for free legal advise.

So, for the time being we cannot modify our 50% split. We would not survive. However we are committed to lowering our cut as we scale and become bigger.

How does the collection process work?

We have direct relationship with business establishments, stores, and large retail chains. We create radio channels for them to play within their business premises. They pay us directly in order to get a license to play music.

Is your deal a publishing deal?

No, it is not. We help publishers, labels and independent right holders collect their earnings from in-store background music.
If you have worldwide publishing deals, we can still probably work with you either by working directly with your sub-publishers or directly with you (we can provide you a simple agreement that your sub-publishers can sign to exclude in-store background music royalties from their management).
Please ask your sub-publishers how much you are earning from in-store background music. We bet it is not much.

Can I become a member and sign the agreement with Soundreef and then sign a contract with a publishing company?

As far as we are concerned, that it fine. We still strongly encourage you to always show the Membership Agreement you have signed to any future publishers.

Can I submit a song that has been written by be and also another person(s)? We own 100% of the copyright and the song is not signed to any publishers.

Yes, you can. However, we will only sign the contract and deposit payment with one representative for the song. So, you will need to have a private agreement between you and the other collaborators on how to split the earnings for the song.

I am a member of another PRO. can I join Soundreef? What if I am registered with PRS?

When you join Soundreef, we will send a letter signed by you to your existing Collecting Society (or Performing Rights Organization).
The letter will inform your existing Collecting Society (or PRO) that we will start collecting your royalties for background music in business establishments for the European territories. You can still remain a member of your existing Collecting Society and can continue to collect your royalties through your Collecting Society for other type of royalties (FM radio, digital, television and so on).
This procedure is only accepted by certain Collecting Societies. Some Collecting Societies require exclusivity on all of their royalties from their members. In that case, you can only be a member and collect all of your royalties through them, or, you can terminate your membership completely and collect none of your royalties through them.
Unfortunately, PRS is one of the Collecting Societies that ask their members to collect all of their royalties through them. This is an ever-evolving subject. Please contact us if you are a PRS member and would like to join Soundreef. If we get enough requests, we will try to speak to PRS and solve this situation.

My song has just accepted into your catalog. When will I be able to see information regarding play count, locations, etc.?

Stats are updated as often as possible. As soon as we receive the log plays files from the radio channel broadcasters, our administrators parse the logs and split the royalties accordingly. Sometimes, at the beginning of a semester (January and July), it may be too early to visualize any stats. In most cases, some stats populate about 3 months after the beginning of the semester.
As we grow our synergies and technology adaptation with our collaborators, these stats will begin showing up earlier and earlier.

What does Soundreef do?

Soundreef is the most progressive and efficient music rights management company in Europe. In one simple package, your alternative to music copyright collection societies such as GEMA, SIAE, SGAE, BUMA/ STEMRA, STIM and TONO. We specialize in background music for retail chains (electronics, clothing, furniture, etc.), supermarkets, malls, restaurants, and more. We gather and distribute royalties to our registered right holders, songwriters, publishers, and labels for the music played in in-store radio channels.

Does Soundreef work as an intermediary for other copyright collection societies such as GEMA, BUMA/STEMRA, & STIM?

No, we are not intermediaries for other collecting societies; instead, we are their competitors. In one simple package, Soundreef directly intermediates music copyrights – both Publishing rights (a.k.a copyright or composition) and Master Recording rights (a.k.a related, neighboring) - for the broadcasting of background music in businesses in Europe.

Is Soundreef legal?

Have you already tried working in Europe, where local collection societies have been traditionally used?

What type of music does Soundreef offer?

We feature over 150,000 songs belonging to labels, songwriters and publishers – both independent and famous - that cover a wide range of genres such as Rock, Pop, Lounge, House, Jazz and Classical. We carefully curate our international music catalog every day, adding new pieces based on industry expertise, trends, client demands, and academic research. We filter the right music purposefully chosen for background broadcasting.

What type of licenses does Soundreef supply to the In-Store Radio company?

Soundreef supplies the license necessary to broadcast background music through whatever technology you want to use: via internet, satellite, physical devices, etc. we cover both the Publishing rights (copyright) and the Master Recording rights (neighboring/related rights).

In what way does Soundreef supply music to In-Store Radio?

Soundreef supplies its playlists to In-Store Radio depending on their needs. Usually, we send the files via FTP, but we do not exclude other modes of transfer should the in-store radio have particular requests.

Do radio in-store companies need to pay Soundreef to play Soundreef's music?

No. Only the stores need to pay Soundreef. Radio in-store companies do not pay Soundreef anything. Radio in-store companies can save time and money not only on licenses, but also on the downloading of music, as we provide the Soundreef catalog.
Actually we have an affiliate marketing program for the radio in-store that introduce new store chains to Soundreef. Please contact us for more information.