Music Licensing

About Music Licensing

Karaoke music must be licensed for commercial use in public venues or paid performances.

The most common licensing involves possessing physical disc media, a direct licensing agreement, or an active digital subscription.

Types of Karaoke Music Licensing

There are several ways to legally obtain karaoke music for public performance. Here are the most common methods.

Physical Discs

The original way to obtain karaoke music is through the purchase and possession of physical discs - most commonly, CD+Gs, though other disc types exist.

When a karaoke disc is manufactured, the disc itself constitutes the necessary license for public performance in a live karaoke show. This license cannot be revoked once the disc is distributed. For this reason, physical discs are often the best way to legally obtain classic songs, or songs which are no longer licensed or obtainable anywhere else.

See Our Physical Discs
Licensing Agreements

A karaoke company might enter into a licensing agreement with a karaoke music publisher, distributor, or other authorized provider. The agreement defines how the music may be stored, played, and performed publicly. Such agreements may be perpetual, or they may be renewable based on a set term.

Some agreements grant access to specific content, while others offer "amnesty" for the ongoing use of the licensed content regardless of where it was obtained (i.e. downloaded copies of digital files).

See Our Licensing Agreements
Digital Subscriptions

Digital karaoke services may provide licensed music through a paid subscription, similar to how streaming services work. This can provide convenient access to a large library of songs without the need for physical discs. However, this subscription must stipulate that commercial public use is permitted.

Additionally, subscription services often provide frequent updates and new releases, making them the best choice to legally stay up-to-date with the latest karaoke hits. The downside to subscription services is, of course, an ongoing monthly fee.

See Our Digital Subscriptions
What Does Missoula Karaoke Use?

Missoula Karaoke utilizes all of the licensing options above. We are committed to providing a fully licensed karaoke experience for our customers and our singers. We take licensing seriously, and ensure that all music used in our shows is obtained legally. This protects both our business, as well as the venues which hire us. Don't settle for anything less!

Physical Disc Licensing

View information on our physical karaoke music discs, including images of the discs, by clicking here.
Licensing Agreements and Digital Subscriptions

View our digital licensing information, including current agreements and subscriptions, by clicking here.
Licensing For a Specific Song

The easiest way to view licensing information for a specific song is to find it on our Sing Platform and click the icon for the song you want to verify:

  1. Search for the song below (or on our Sing Platform - same thing).
  2. In the search results list, click the icon for the song which you want to view licensing information.
  3. A list of catalogs containing the song will be displayed.
  4. Click the Licensing link for any of the catalogs to view the details.

The Licensing link will bring you back here to show you the specific licensing basis for the song you selected. Let's see any other karaoke company do that!

Why Does Licensing Matter?

Music licensing is a critical aspect of operating a legal, reputable karaoke business such as Missoula Karaoke.

Karaoke operators not using legally licensed music, as well as venues that hire them, risk facing legal consequences or financial penalties.

What Motivates Karaoke Businesses to Operate Illegally?

You would think that all KJs would want to conduct business legally by fully licensing all of their music - and many do. Unfortunately, some KJs choose to operate illegally for a variety of reasons. Perhaps more concerning, some karaoke operators and KJs do not even realize that they are using unlicensed music in some cases.

Here are some of the reasons why a karaoke operator or KJ might utilize unlicensed music illegally, why they should not, and why you should not hire them if they do.

Why Do Some KJs Operate Illegally?

There are several reasons why some KJs operate illegally. Some reasons are by choice, and some are due to ignorance. Both are problematic.

  • Cost Considerations
    A full collection of licensed music can be expensive, and some KJs want to avoid these costs - or they can't afford them when starting out. The fact that some venues do not pay well for KJ services often does not help.
  • Lack of Awareness
    Some KJs may not know their music is unlicensed. Even if they do, they may not fully understand the legal implications of their unlicensed music usage.
  • Competitive Pressure
    When other established KJs in the area have more music, others may feel pressured to obtain unlicensed music to remain competitive - even if it means operating illegally in doing so.
  • Ease of Acquisition
    It is not difficult to find pirated karaoke music online, and some KJs may take advantage of this ease of access to avoid the effort and cost of obtaining licensed music and building up their own collections. However, this also tends to show through lower quality of the karaoke services they provide.
  • Weak Enforcement
    Many companies which make karaoke music are no longer in business, leading KJs to believe they can use unlicensed music without consequence.
Why Should KJs Operate Legally?

Despite some of the challenges listed, both KJs and the venues or customers which hire them should prioritize legal operation. Here are some reasons why.

  • Cost Effective Options
    Even for KJs with limited budgets, there are legal music catalog options available such as subscription services which provide access to a wide range of music at reasonable costs. These services can be more than sufficient for smaller KJs which are just starting out.
  • Building a Positive Reputation
    A karaoke company that operates legally using licensed music is more likely to do the right thing in all aspects of their business. They also tend to pay more attention to other details of their operation, such as sound and equipment quality, their digital platforms, and the happiness of their singers.
  • Access to New Music
    Incorporating legal subscription services (provided that they are properly licensed for commercial use) often means access to the latest hits and new releases as soon as they are available in karaoke format. While many singers love the classics, many also want to sing the newest songs!
  • Legal Protection
    Likely the most compelling reason to operate legally using a fully licensed music library is the protection it offers both the KJ and the venues they operate in against potential legal issues and fines.
Avoiding Catastrophic Consequences

Though karaoke lawsuits are rare, when they are brought against a karaoke company, a KJ, or a venue, the potential financial and reputational damage can be significant - sometimes putting everyone involved out of business. It may not happen to you... until it does!

But don't worry - Missoula Karaoke checks all of the right boxes to ensure that we're fully licensed, operating legally, and providing the best experience for our customers, venues, and singers. You can verify the status of our licensing at any time using the section at the top of this page. Hire us with confidence.

Illegal Karaoke Operations

Unfortunately, karaoke operators and KJs exist who do not use legally licensed music.

While this may be intentional or inadvertent, it is illegal, and can lead to serious consequences for all parties involved.

Common Issues and Signs

Unfortunately, some KJs do not obtain the music they use from legitimate sources - or if they do, they may not use the music within the bounds of their license. This can lead to legal issues and potential fines - for the karaoke company, the KJ, and the venue hosting the event.

Below are some common issues found with illegal/unlicensed karaoke operations, and how you can tell if a company is operating legally or not.

Pirated Music

One of the most common issues with illegal karaoke operations is the use of pirated music. This involves using copyrighted songs without obtaining them from legitimate sources. Sadly, some KJs use pirated music without even realizing that their music is not legally obtained - however, this can still lead to serious legal consequences.

Common Sources of Pirated Music:
  • Illegally downloaded from the internet (i.e. torrents, archival sites)
  • Copied or lent from other karaoke companies, "a friend", etc.
  • Copied from licensed CD+G discs, but then the discs are resold or otherwise not physically retained
  • Purchased from an unlicensed source (i.e. bulk "karaoke hard drives" purchased online)
  • YouTube or other streaming platforms with uploaded content not authorized for commercial use
How to Tell if a Karaoke Operator May Be Using Pirated Music:
  • No proof of licensing or ownership available for the songs used - a simple "proof of purchase" is not always sufficient; the source matters
  • Poor library organization (i.e. inconsistent filenames, ZIP files) - legitimate libraries are built over time and care is taken to organize them properly
  • Obscure versions of songs from rare or defunct companies - it's often unlikely that such versions would be available through legitimate channels
  • An unusually large song library with what seems like every song imaginable - some illegal karaoke hard drives advertise 800,000 or more songs
  • A browser window occasionally visible on the lyrics screens, containing a public video streaming platform and searches for "<song name> karaoke"

Not all items above indicate that a karaoke company is using pirated music. However, a reputable karaoke company will typically have a well-organized library, and will be able to easily prove that every song in their collection is properly licensed. Don't be afraid to ask for such proof when hiring or singing with them!

Duplicate Usage

Duplicate usage occurs when a karaoke operator has a properly licensed music library which they use in multiple places at the same time without specific authorization to do so. This most commonly occurs in locations like dedicated karaoke bars where one karaoke company operates the entire establishment.

Common Forms of Duplicate Usage:
  • Using one licensed song library simultaneously on multiple karaoke systems, stages, or private rooms
  • Sharing a licensed subscription account or digital library with people who are not covered by the license
How to Tell if a Karaoke Operator May Be Engaged in Duplicate Usage:
  • Multiple systems contain identical song files, but there are no corresponding duplicate discs or subscription agreements for each file or system
  • The song files appear to be on a network drive or share which is in use across multiple locations, stages, or private rooms at the same time
  • The operator cannot explain how the same library is licensed for each location or system in which it is used simultaneously

While some subscription services do have licensing options for such multi-use scenarios (i.e. all-in-one karaoke systems for private karaoke rooms), single physical discs typically do not. Think of it this way: if you couldn't use a physical disc in two places at once, you can't use the digital files from that disc in two places at once either.

Underlicensed Subscriptions

Normally, a digital karaoke subscription can only be used while the subscription is active, so it may be easy to assume that a karaoke company or KJ is compliant if the music is playing and the words are showing up on the screen. However, some subscriptions are intended for personal or home use, while others specifically permit commercial use and public performances. Using the wrong plan is considered underlicensing, which can expose both the operator and venue to legal risks.

Common Types of Underlicensing:
  • Using a personal or home-use plan for paid events or public performances, usually because it is less expensive
  • Using a plan that does not cover the number of venues, KJs, systems, or rooms involved (i.e. duplicate usage)
  • Continuing to use downloaded songs or accounts after a subscription has expired
How to Tell if a Karaoke Operator May Be Underlicensed:
  • They cannot save subscription songs for offline use and must be connected to the internet to access the music library
  • A logo or watermark is present on the screen, and is not the operator's own branding
  • An online signup platform exists where singers are able to reorder the entire show's song queue without the KJ's permission

A reputable karaoke company with a valid subscription for commercial and public use should be able to log into their account and show you that their subscription is active and covers such usage. They should also be able to explain other things you can look for to know that they are properly licensed, such as their own logo on the screen.

Why You Should Support Licensed Karaoke Businesses

We've beat the point of legal consequences and potential liability to death by now. Why else should you care that you're supporting a properly licensed business?

Licensed karaoke companies are more likely to be reputable, professional, and provide a better overall experience for their customers, venues, and singers. They are also more likely to have the latest music available - and in many cases, when a KJ cares about licensing, they will have a large, well-organized music library with a wide variety of songs in the highest possible quality. When all music was obtained legally, the KJ tends to know their catalog well, including what version of a song is the best option amongst the various karaoke music manufacturers in their catalog. When a KJ has hundreds of thousands of illegally obtained songs, they often don't even know what they have.

Being a fully licensed karaoke operator takes significant effort and investment, as well. Hiring unlicensed KJs undercuts the value of licensed professional KJs, and what is likely hundreds or thousands of hours of time put into obtaining, organizing, and maintaining a legal music library. While licensed operators may cost a bit more, they offer a higher level of service in addition to the removal of legal risks. A large licensed catalog also represents a KJ's willingness to reinvest in their business, and the care they take in maintaining it.

In short, licensed karaoke companies are more likely to be professionals, the type of company you want to hire for your event, and the type of company you want to sing with!

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