High GEMA-Are fees an unnecessary burden on your company budget? GEMA-free music offers a legally compliant and cost-effective alternative that can save up to 100 per cent of music costs.
What is GEMA-free music and why is it interesting for companies?
GEMA-free music refers to compositions in which none Rights through GEMA be perceived - for example because the author is not a GEMA member or manages the rights themselves. An important point: GEMA-free does not mean free of charge. The rights of use must still be acquired directly from the composer, their representative or via specialised platforms. However, the decisive advantage lies in the significantly lower licence fee.
For companies in the retail, catering, hotel, fitness and wellness sectors, this means considerable cost savings with consistently high music quality. Easy licensing eliminates high GEMA fees and creates planning security.
The cost trap: Why GEMA fees are a burden on companies
GEMA tariffs are rising continuously and can become a considerable financial burden for companies. Particularly affected are
- Fitness studios: Up to several thousand euros per year
- Restaurants and cafés: Depending on size and opening hours
- Retail shops: Area-dependent calculation
- Hotels: Complex tariff structures for different areas
Added to this is the administrative work involved: registrations, notifications, checks and the risk of claims for additional payments in the event of infringements.
GEMA-free music: quality without compromise
A widespread misconception is that GEMA-free music is inferior "lift jingling". The opposite is the case: professional providers such as sonicsense licence original titles directly from international artists. This music is in no way inferior to GEMA titles - it comes from real artists and is professionally curated.
sonicsense offers over 33 GEMA-free Music channels with thousands of tracks by real international artists. Controlling emotions through music and sound is the core competence of the team with over 35 years of experience in the music industry.
Legal certainty and predictability
Legal certainty is crucial when using GEMA-free music. Reputable providers issue detailed certificates that can be used by the companies for GEMA controls On request, sonicsense can also take over the entire GEMA administration and thus enter into communication with GEMA on behalf of the supported company.
Subscribing to a music service provider that works with GEMA-free music allows the music to be used for a specific purpose within the defined area of application, resulting in low and predictable costs for companies. This makes it economically viable to work with music service providers such as sonicsense.
Beware of AI-generated music
AI-generated music represents a current risk. With AI-generated GEMA-free music, there are currently still important legal questions regarding authorship and liability remain unresolved. Collecting societies such as GEMA demand access to the source code in court of the AI music platforms to check whether the generated works are actually licence-free.
The problem: AI systems are often trained with existing, copyrighted music data. If it turns out that these systems use protected works as a basis, even companies that have relied on the licence-free nature of this music could suddenly find themselves with high additional claims be confronted with.
You can find more details on this topic in our article on AI music in the fitness industry.
The sonicsense solution: Professional and legally compliant
sonicsense offers with sonicEASY, sonicPRO and sonicENTERPRISE customised solutions for every need - all also available as complete GEMA-free versions available. The sonicEASY music service is even 100% GEMA-free.
Your advantages at a glance:
- Up to 100% savings on GEMA fees
- About 33 GEMA-free premium channels with professionally curated music
- Multi-zone capability for different areas
- Playback guarantee in the event of internet failure
- Central remote control About sonicRemote
- Volume and Daytime-dependent control
- GEMA contract check and licence optimisation
- Complete GEMA administration on request
For areas that exclusively use sonicsense Royalty-Free Premium channels, the GEMA savings amount to 100%, as these genres are completely GEMA-free or directly licensed. Detailed information on the GEMA fees and savings opportunities can be found on our website.
Industries already benefit from GEMA-free music
Companies from a wide range of sectors are already successfully using GEMA-free music:
- Retail: Create atmosphere without high GEMA tariffs
- Gastronomy: Atmospheric background music for restaurants and cafés
- Fitness: Motivating music without GEMA fees
- Wellness: Relaxing GEMA-free sounds for spa areas
- Hotel industry: Zoned sound reinforcement for different hotel areas
- Fun Parks: High fun factor with animating directly licensed music - 100% GEMA cost savings
Practical implementation: it's that simple
Switching to GEMA-free music is easier than you might think. sonicsense systems are Plug & play solutions that can be installed without a technician. The free sonicRemote control programme enables control from anywhere in the world.
Cancellation periods should be observed for existing GEMA contracts. Our article "GEMA cancellation" provides information on the most important deadlines and steps.
Frequently asked questions about GEMA-free music
Is GEMA-free music really legally secure?
Yes, with reputable providers such as sonicsense you will receive legally compliant, directly licensed music with corresponding proof for any GEMA checks.
How high are the costs for GEMA-free music?
The costs are significantly lower than GEMA fees and can be planned. sonicsense offers various packages depending on the size of the company, the area to be covered and the requirements.
What happens in the event of an internet outage?
All sonicsense products continue to work even without an Internet connection. Programmes and playlists run constantly.
Do I need a technician for the installation?
No, all sonicsense systems are Plug&Play solutions. Free telephone support is available for questions.
Conclusion: GEMA-free music as an economic alternative
GEMA-free music offers companies a legally compliant and cost-effective alternative to conventional GEMA-liable music solutions. With professional curation, high quality and significant cost savings, it is the ideal solution for companies that want to use music commercially. sonicsense combines over 35 years of experience with state-of-the-art technology and offers customised solutions for every industry. Get non-binding advice now!
