The most important facts in brief
- Definition: GEMA-free music is music whose authors (composers, lyricists) are not members of GEMA or an international partner society.
- Advantages for companies: You can reduce your GEMA fees by up to 100 % and get full cost control with high musical quality.
- Important proof: For commercial use, you always need a certificate that legally confirms that the music is GEMA-free.
- Types & sources: These include public domain works, certain Creative Commons titles and, above all, professionally curated catalogues from specialist providers.
- Attention trap: Private streaming services (such as Spotify or Apple Music), YouTube or the radio are not suitable for business use. not GEMA-free and illegal.
The right music is more than just background noise for your company - it creates atmosphere, strengthens your brand and positively influences the customer experience. However, the use of music is inevitably associated with the question of GEMA fees. Many entrepreneurs are therefore looking for a cost-efficient and legally compliant alternative. GEMA-free music is the solution. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to find the right music for your business and avoid costly mistakes.
What does GEMA-free actually mean?
GEMA (Gesellschaft für musikalische Aufführungs- und mechanische Vervielfältigungsrechte) represents the copyrights of its members - i.e. composers, lyricists and music publishers. If a company plays music from the GEMA repertoire in public, it must pay licence fees, which GEMA distributes to the artists.
GEMA-free music (also known as royalty-free music), on the other hand, comes from artists who have deliberately decided not to become members of GEMA or a comparable collecting society (e.g. AKM in Austria, SUISA in Switzerland). They market their works themselves or via specialised providers. The term „free“ therefore does not mean free of charge, but „free of GEMA fees“. Instead, you acquire a one-off or ongoing licence directly from the provider.
What types of GEMA-free music are there?
The market for GEMA-free music is diverse and offers the right solution for every industry - from relaxed wellness sounds to energetic beats for fitness studios.
Public domain music
Works whose authors have been dead for more than 70 years are considered to be in the public domain. Classical pieces by Mozart or Beethoven, for example, fall into this category. But be careful: the composition may be in the public domain, but the actual recording of an orchestra is often not. This is where neighbouring rights (GVL) can come into play, which apply to the performers.
Music under Creative Commons licences
Artists can make their works available under various Creative Commons licences (CC licences). These licences allow use under certain conditions. Companies need to be extremely careful here: Many CC licences explicitly exclude commercial use (recognisable by the suffix „NC“ for non-commercial). Research and documentation are time-consuming and error-prone.
Music from professional providers
The safest and highest quality way is to use professional GEMA-free music from providers such as sonicsense. These services offer curated, industry-specific music channels that are 100 % legally compliant. The decisive advantage: you receive a legally valid certificate as proof to GEMA. This means you are always on the safe side in the event of inspections.
In principle, GEMA assumes that all music played in public belongs to its repertoire (the so-called „GEMA presumption“). As an entrepreneur, you are obliged to prove the opposite. A certificate from a professional provider is the only reliable way to fulfil this obligation in an uncomplicated manner.
The advantages of GEMA-free music for your company
Switching to royalty-free music programmes offers far more than just a reduction in bureaucracy. It is a strategic decision with clear economic benefits.
- Enormous cost savings: You can use your Save up to 100 % on GEMA fees. The licence costs for professional GEMA-free services are transparent, predictable and often significantly lower than the GEMA tariffs.
- Absolute legal certainty: With a certificate in hand, you no longer have to worry about unannounced inspections or additional payments.
- High quality and variety: Gone are the days of monotonous lift music. Providers such as sonicsense offer over 30 genre-specific premium channels that are updated daily and cover everything from pop to lounge to rock.
- Full control: With professional music systems you can schedule playlists, adapt the music to different zones (e.g. in the restaurant vs. bar area) and control everything centrally and remotely.
Ready for music that inspires - without any GEMA stress?
Discover over 33 curated, GEMA-free music channels with sonicsense. Create the perfect atmosphere for your customers and save money in the process. We guarantee 100 % legal security with certificate.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When dealing with music in a business environment, there are some costly pitfalls lurking. Here are the most common mistakes you should avoid at all costs:
- Use private streaming services: Using a private Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music account to provide sound for your business is a clear violation of the terms of use of these services and is also illegal. You do not have a licence for public reproduction.
- Play radio or YouTube: Playing web radio, FM radio or YouTube playlists on business premises is also a public performance and therefore subject to GEMA. In addition, you have no control over the music selection and ad breaks.
- Do not have proof: Without a certificate or complete documentation of the tracks played, you will not be able to prove that your music is GEMA-free in the event of a GEMA inspection. This can lead to substantial additional payments.
Conclusion: GEMA-free music as a smart business decision
The question „Which music is GEMA-free?“ goes far beyond a pure cost-benefit calculation. It is the decision in favour of a modern, flexible and legally compliant solution that gives you full control over the acoustic atmosphere of your company. Professional providers have long since left the niche of royalty-free music and now offer high-quality, diverse programmes that are in no way inferior to well-known hits.
By relying on an established partner, you are not only investing in excellent sound and significant cost savings, but above all in peace of mind and the certainty that you are always on the safe side legally.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is GEMA-free music completely free of charge?
No. The term „GEMA-free“ means that no royalties are payable to GEMA. However, the artists and producers of this music must still be paid for their work. This is why you purchase a usage licence from professional providers. However, this is usually much cheaper and more transparent than the GEMA tariffs.
How do I prove that my music is GEMA-free?
The only reliable proof is a legally valid certificate from your music provider. This document lists the channels or titles you use and confirms that they are GEMA-free. You should be able to present this certificate in the event of an inspection by GEMA.
What happens if I receive an invoice from GEMA despite GEMA-free music?
This can happen if GEMA learns of your public use of music without knowing that you are using royalty-free music. In this case, simply forward the invoice to your provider. A professional service such as sonicsense will take care of all communication with GEMA and clarify the matter for you.
Can I mix GEMA-free and GEMA-required music?
Yes, this is technically possible, for example with professional music systems like sonicPRO. Legally, however, the following applies: as soon as even a single GEMA-liable track is played, the entire use of the music becomes subject to GEMA. A hybrid model requires precise registration and licensing with GEMA. We will be happy to advise you on the right strategy for you.
