Music at your pop-up, event or shop: licence via Unisono (Sabam) + free simulation.

Details

• Source: unisono.be
• Simulation & application (MyUnisono): https://eservices.sabam.be/pls/apex/f?p=60010:41 — available in Dutch and French only
• Organisation: Unisono — one desk for Sabam (copyright) and PlayRight + SIMIM (neighbouring rights / equitable remuneration)
• Type: online licence application + no-obligation price simulation
• Topic: using music (and other artistic works) in a professional or public context
• Cost of the simulation: free, no account needed to simulate

What is it?

Are you organising a pop-up, party, concert, food event or other event, or playing music in your shop, bar or workplace? Then you need a music licence from Unisono. This applies to live music and DJs, but also to a playlist via Spotify, radio or CD.

That one licence covers two kinds of rights:

• Copyright → via Sabam to authors, composers and publishers
• Neighbouring rights (equitable remuneration, "billijke vergoeding") → via PlayRight and SIMIM to performers and producers

So you don't have to deal with Sabam and PlayRight separately: Unisono handles both. According to Unisono, 85% of every euro goes to music makers and 15% covers operating costs.

Why this tool?

On MyUnisono you can run a simulation before applying. It is non-binding: Unisono does not store your data and you receive no invoice. You find out in advance what music at your pop-up or event will cost, so you can include it in your budget or pricing.

The simulation exists for two kinds of use:

• Daily use ("Dagelijks gebruik") — e.g. hospitality, nightlife, shop / service company, music at the workplace, waiting room/reception, sport/dance, youth centre
• An event ("Een evenement") — e.g. concert/live performance, party, food event/BBQ, theatre/comedy/talk, fashion show/dance, sport, parade, trade fair, broadcast of a sports event, other

How to use it (practical)

1. Open MyUnisono and scroll down to "… of doe eerst een simulatie" ("… or run a simulation first").
2. Choose Dagelijks gebruik (e.g. a pop-up shop open for a while) or Een evenement (e.g. a one-off pop-up evening, party or launch event).
3. Select the type of use or event and fill in the requested details (e.g. date, music source, floor area or ticket revenue — depending on the type).
4. Check the estimated rate.
5. Happy with it? Apply for the actual licence on the same platform (top section: "Start meteen uw aangifte"). You receive a licence and an invoice.

What to watch out for

• Apply on time. Unisono asks you to apply at least 5 days before you start using music. Applying early, online and paying online right away earns a discount.
• What determines the price? The licence type, the date, the music source (live, DJ, CD, radio, streaming) and measurable parameters such as floor area, number of playing days, artist fee or ticket revenue. There are two methods: a fixed flat fee or a percentage of ticket revenue or artist fee. Events cost more than a shop, where music is incidental.
• Discounts also exist for start-ups, annual payment for daily use and members of a professional federation. Details are in the rate guide at unisono.be/nl/tarieven.
• When is no licence needed? Music in the private sphere: a free party (no entrance fee, sponsorship or commercial purpose), without advertising, with family and at home (not in a party venue). A pop-up almost never qualifies.
• Renting a multipurpose venue? The venue's licence only covers equitable remuneration, not copyright — you arrange that yourself. Ask the venue which type of venue licence they have.
• Royalty-free or your own music? Mention it in your application at least 5 days in advance and provide a playlist.
• The simulation is an estimate. Your invoice follows from your actual declaration.

Related articles

• Cultuurloket: business support for cultural workers (also for musicians & events)
• VI.BE: platform and support hub for artists & the music sector
• Zalenzoeker (City of Ghent): finding venues and booking city halls

Link

• Simulation & licence (MyUnisono): https://eservices.sabam.be/pls/apex/f?p=60010:41
• Event info: unisono.be/nl/licenties-evenementen
• Rates: unisono.be/nl/tarieven