Odd topic: Music

[drivin_me_nuts]

Afternoon all.

Now I realise this is a somewhat odd topic to put in the business category but...

I am opening an art venus soon and I need some music... is there anywhere that supplies music of certain genres. So for example, if I said 'get me something soft that would do as background' or 'i'm doing a contemporary exhinition - I need something to go' Are there companies/places that can supply recorded music for you?

Odd question I know, but any help would be useful.

Cheers

[Apache]

Often thought there would be a market for this, it could work in pubs too to create a suitable atmos

[ysnnim]

Quite a few companies do this - some supply turnkey (all hardware and software) solutions, whilst some just supply the music - all the ones we have liased with in the past use DSL to get the music to you. I will see what I can dig out...

D

[Eric Mc]

Don't forget, you will probably need a Performing Rights Society licence to play any copyrighted music in a public area.

[Chesta]

The productions that you’re talking about probably just don’t use MCPS music. There are music libraries like Audio Networks (www.audiolicense.net) which charge a one off fee for the use of their entire catalogue (an expensive but hassle=free option) or you can pick up royalty free music from a number of different sources (just do a google search and you’ll see what I mean).
Amongst some of our favourites are:
www.v-theproductionlibrary.com
YOPO.co.uk
playKPM.com
Shorties
AVP
Easy Acess
Bobs Music Cafe
Notepad
playKPM.com
However, the reason that the music itself is royalty free is because you have provide the producers with your licence number & details before they will sell to you, and to do that you have to get a licence, which involves monitoring what music you play, the duration, dates etc etc etc (just like a radio station does).

Eric is absoutely correct about licence requirements. For a venue (Public Address) system for playout, you'll be looking at the maximum numbers of punters your venue can accomodate (see your fire risk assesment for this) plus the sq metre per floor.....exactly the same sort of licence that pubs & clubs (should) have in place. An art gallery is classed as an entertainment venue, and you'll only be able to claim an "educational use" discount if you can prove that this is reflected in your entrance or charging system (ie discounts for under 16's & students id card holders).

The 2 companies/organisations that I recommend you contact so you don't get caught out by a "visit" are:
www.mcps-prs-alliance.co.uk (whose website appears to be down at the moment)
www.ppluk.com or www.ppluk.com/ppl/ppl_lf.nsf/lhome .

Enjoy the minefield.....and look out for the mines!