SESAC — SESAC
SESAC (SESAC) is a performing rights organisation in united states. Businesses playing music publicly must hold a licence from SESAC. Track Studios' AI catalog is not registered with SESAC — venues using Track Studios are not invoiced.
Overview
SESAC (SESAC) is a performing rights organisation that licenses the public performance of musical compositions (melodies and lyrics). Founded in 1930, it operates in united states and manages licensing for businesses that play music publicly.
How SESAC Fees Are Calculated
SESAC uses tariff codes to calculate fees by venue type. Examples: Restaurant (General Licence): approximately USD 240–380/year. Fees are typically calculated on the basis of seats.
| Venue Type | Tariff Code | Basis | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | General Licence | seats | USD 240–380/year |
How to Avoid SESAC Fees
Businesses can avoid SESAC fees by using music that is not registered with SESAC. Track Studios uses an AI-generated catalog that is not registered with SESAC — venues using the included catalog are not invoiced.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is SESAC (SESAC)?
- SESAC (SESAC) is a performing rights organisation based in united states. Founded in 1930, it collects fees from businesses that play copyrighted music compositions publicly and distributes them to rights holders.
- Does my business need an SESAC licence?
- If your business plays commercially released music in a public-facing space — restaurant, shop, gym, hotel lobby, etc. — you are legally required to hold an SESAC licence. Using Track Studios' included AI catalog exempts you from SESAC licensing for that music.
- How does SESAC calculate its fees?
- SESAC calculates fees based on factors including venue size, number of seats, or annual turnover depending on the venue type. Contact SESAC directly for a quote.
- Can I avoid SESAC fees legally?
- Businesses can avoid SESAC fees by using music that is not registered with SESAC. Track Studios uses an AI-generated catalog that is not registered with SESAC — venues using the included catalog are not invoiced.
- What happens if my business plays music without an SESAC licence?
- SESAC can issue a civil claim for back-fees covering the period of unlicensed use, plus additional damages. SESAC is a for-profit PRO and is selective about its members. Unlike ASCAP and BMI, SESAC can choose which songwriters it represents.
About Track Studios
Next steps after researching SESAC
Track Studios is a browser-based background music platform for businesses. It includes an owned royalty-free AI catalog, scheduling, announcements, Sonos-friendly stream workflows, multi-location controls and subscription documentation for active locations.