Edmonton Wedding DJ Edmonton DJ Music Licensing

Licensing. It's probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you're looking for DJ entertainment. In fact, not surprisingly, most DJs don't know about music licensing, either. However, there are several licenses DJs must have in order to operate their enterprises legally and ethically.

In point form they are:

#1. Municipal Business License

#2. National Music Licensing

#3. SOCAN Licensing



It's hard to comprehend why any Bride and Groom, community league, school or corporation would even consider doing business with a company that cannot even provide basic business licensing. #1 Municipal Business Licensing, at its most basic level, is a commitment that a business intends to operate within the boundaries of ethical business practice. That's not to say they will not screw you, but it is just ONE of a dozen things a business can show that they are honest and trustworthy.

Edmonton Wedding DJ Edmonton DJ City Pro Entertainment has been registered as a business in Alberta and has a business license to operate in the City Of Edmonton.

Now, there ARE some municipalities, most often small towns and such, that do not require licensing. At least ask for their proof of provincial registration or GST number- something that also proves that might be taking doing business with you seriously.

DJs in Canada are extremely lucky. In the 70's, as mobile discos were becoming more popular and so was technology to duplicate music, DJs recognized a need to legitimize what record executives feared: Music Piracy. Working together, the record industry and DJs formulated a working agreement based on agreements already used for commercial duplication, but customized it based on the needs of DJs. #2. National Music Licensing is administered by the A.V.L.A. (Audio and Video Licensing Agency). The license not only allows DJs to create music programs that better suit their style and audience, but now they can also reduce the amount of music carried while also providing an opportunity to create a backup library.

In Canada ANY DJ that uses duplicated music (CD-R's, Digital Devises, Computers etc) needs to have an A.V.L.A. license. Music purchased from download sites like iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon or Napster are not licensed for Commercial use- which is what all DJ work is considered. Music from these sites, and the music purchased at stores is considered "for the private and personal use only". That music also does not cover public performance.

The A.V.L.A. License your DJ would have allows them to duplicate music onto CD-R or Computer and perform those pieces publicly. The cost of AVLA licenses in Canada ranges from $150 to $380 depending on where they are purchased. The AVLA license must be renewed every year starting in January and expiring in December. AVLA Licenses can be ordered from AAME or CAPE .

Edmonton Wedding DJ Edmonton DJ City Pro Entertainment has been licensed by the AVLA for over 10 years. EACH of our systems has a music license. To see if your DJ is licensed please visit THIS page.

#3 SOCAN Licensing is quite different from the AVLA. In fact, DJs aren't responsible for it at all! I listed it here to dispel the myth or untruths that many people have regarding SOCAN fees charged to them when they buy concert tickets or rent a banquet room. (For a list of tariffs please visit HERE)

SOCAN stands for: The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. Their job is to protect, preserve the works of performing rights of music creators. PART of their job is collecting royalties on behalf of their members. This also includes collecting fees from venues where music is performed.

Some venues may elect to charge you this fee as a line item on your invoice. Some choose to include the fees in the rental rate. Again, these fees are collected for the PERFORMANCE of music (even the elevator music, music on-hold and Muzak playing in the hallways and bathrooms all incur SOCAN fees).

Edmonton Wedding DJ Edmonton DJ City Pro Entertainment has been an avid supporter of artists and their works.