Fact-Checked
If you are researching licensed music for business, you likely know that personal apps like Spotify or Apple Music are illegal for commercial use. To stay compliant, business owners must navigate Performance Rights Organizations (PROs). While names like ASCAP and BMI are common, AllTrack Performing Rights has become a vital piece of the legal puzzle for modern storefronts. AllTrack represents a roster of independent creators whose music is frequently found on popular streaming playlists.
What is AllTrack?
AllTrack Performing Rights is a private PRO. It licenses music for independent songwriters and publishers.
It was formed in 2017 and launched in 2019. It is based in Beverly Hills. AllTrack was the fourth U.S. PRO to join CISAC, the world body for music rights groups. The other three are ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. In November 2024, AllTrack added a mechanical rights division. It was the first U.S. PRO to collect performance and mechanical royalties in one place. For business owners, the key point is simple. AllTrack licenses on its own, apart from the other PROs and your background music service.
Understanding AllTrack Music Licensing Costs
AllTrack music licensing is often more affordable for an SMB owner with 1-10 locations compared to legacy organizations. However, unlike ASCAP, Alltrack is a private entity not governed by federal “consent decrees.” This means they provide custom quotes rather than a public, fixed-rate card.
For most small stores, a legal music for business service won’t cover AllTrack licensing fees because they don’t play AllTrack artists. If you have live music, DJs or Karaoke, it would make sense to get a separate AllTrack license.
*Note: AllTrack rates are subject to individual quotes and may vary based on specific music usage. Most SMBs avoid individual PRO billing by using a fully licensed streaming provider.
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Host Karaoke, Live Music, or a DJ? You Need a Direct AllTrack License.
Background music services cover your everyday playlist. But they don’t cover live events. If your bar, restaurant, or venue hosts karaoke nights, books a DJ, or brings in a live act, you’re responsible for licensing the songs performed directly with the PRO.
That means going to each PRO yourself, including AllTrack. You can learn more with our live music licensing guide plus deeper dives with our Karaoke Music Licensing guide and our DJ Guide.
Since AllTrack represents thousands of independent artists, names like Future, Sublime, and No Doubt, there’s a good chance those songs will get played. Without a license in place, you’re exposed to a copyright claim, even for a single night. You can click here to get your AllTrack license before your next event.
Make an informed choice! Compare music providers for your business on our Compare Page—free and simple.
Comparing AllTrack to the "Big Four" PROs
To fully protect your business, you must understand the difference between regulated and private PROs. If you manage multiple business locations, the risk of missing a specific catalog increases.
Below is a breakdown of the primary Performance Rights Organizations you need to know:
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers)
ASCAP is one of the two largest PROs in the U.S. A federal consent decree keeps its rates predictable and subject to court oversight. Its catalog covers a large share of Top 40 hits and classics. See our ASCAP Music Licensing Guide.
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
BMI is the other major regulated PRO. Like ASCAP, it operates under a consent decree. Its catalog runs from Taylor Swift to Lil Wayne. See our BMI Music Licensing Guide.
SESAC
SESAC is a private, invitation-only PRO with no consent decree, so it sets its own pricing. Its catalog is smaller but includes Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond. See our SESAC Music Licensing Guide.
GMR (Global Music Rights)
GMR is a private, highly selective PRO founded by Irving Azoff. It represents many of the most-played songs on radio and licenses separately from the larger PROs. See our GMR Music Licensing Guide.
The U.S. Copyright Office holds businesses responsible for licensing every song they play, regardless of which PRO represents it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just pay AllTrack and ignore the others?
No. Alltrack only covers the artists in its specific catalog. To play a variety of music legally, you typically need coverage from all major PROs simultaneously.
Is an AllTrack license required for “Royalty Free” music?
Generally, no. However, many “royalty-free” tracks are actually “Direct Licensed.” If a song you play is registered with Alltrack, you must have the proper authorization to avoid a copyright claim.
What is AllTrack music licensing?
AllTrack is a modern Performance Rights Organization (PRO) that issues licenses to businesses for the public performance of songs in its catalog. It specifically represents independent songwriters and digital-first publishers.
Why do I need an AllTrack license?
AllTrack represents a unique catalog of artists not found in ASCAP or BMI. Playing their music without a license can lead to unlicensed music fines for small business owners, which can reach thousands of dollars per song.
What artists are represented by AllTrack?
AllTrack represents a catalog of over 15,000 independent songwriters and publishers. AllTrack artists include Future, Lil Peep, Soulja Boy, No Doubt, MxPx, and Sublime.
If I have an AllTrack license, can I play my music on Spotify or Apple Music?
No. Spotify and Apple Music are still for personal use only. To play background music in a business, you will still need a licensed music provider.
Does my background music service cover an AllTrack license?
No. Major licensed music providers typically include ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR, but not AllTrack. You will need a separate AllTrack license if artists from their catalog play in your business.
Do I need a direct AllTrack license if I already use a background music service?
It depends on how music is used in your business. Background music providers cover ambient playback but do not include licensing for karaoke, live music performances, or DJ sets. If you host any of those, the PROs, including AllTrack, require a separate license. Learn more about what music licensing you need based on how you use music with our free Music Licensing Checker.
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By John Boyle
John is a music for business expert and the founder of MusicforBusinessFinder.com which has been featured on MSN, BigIdeasforSmallBusiness.com, Noobpreneur and YFS Magazine. He focuses on helping small business owners navigate the confusing world of commercial music licensing, improve sales, and protect their businesses. By providing clear, independent analysis of top audio platforms, he ensures owners can make informed choices with confidence. He also loves rooting for the Mariners and his daughter’s soccer team.