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Music Copyright & Licensing

​​At SOUNDMODA, we work across multiple dance and performance industries globally. Because music copyright laws and competition requirements can vary depending on country, event, and intended usage, it is important that clients understand how music licensing may apply to their project.

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We strongly encourage all clients to use properly licensed or compliant music sources wherever possible to minimise copyright risk and ensure the safest possible usage pathway for performances, competitions, and public events.


You can purchase compliant music with included live performance licenses from the following catalogues: 
 

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What is music copyright?
 

Commercial songs are protected by copyright law. This can include:

  • The original song/composition

  • The master recording

  • Lyrics and vocal recordings

Editing, remixing, reproducing, syncing, distributing, or publicly performing copyrighted music may require permission or licensing from the copyright owners depending on the intended use.
 

Does SOUNDMODA provide music licenses?


No.

SOUNDMODA is a music production and editing service. We do not sell or issue commercial music licenses and do not provide legal advice regarding copyright compliance.

Clients are solely responsible for ensuring their music usage complies with any applicable laws, event rules, competition requirements, venue policies, or platform policies relevant to their intended use.

Clients engaging SOUNDMODA agree to accept full responsibility for any music they supply or request and indemnify SOUNDMODA against any copyright claims, disputes, liabilities, damages, or legal issues arising from the use of unlicensed or non-compliant music.
 

What are “Licensed” or “Compliant” music sources?
 

Some competitions, organisations, and events require music to be sourced from approved licensed providers or compliant remake vendors.

Examples include:​

These services provide licensed or approved music options intended for specific performance usages.

Where available, SOUNDMODA strongly recommends clients source music from compliant or licensed providers.
 

What does “Non-Compliant” mean?
 

“Non-Compliant” generally refers to using commercial songs or edits that may not have formal licensing or clearance for the intended usage.

Many clients globally still choose this route depending on:

  • Local industry norms

  • Competition requirements

  • Event type

  • Budget considerations

Clients selecting this option acknowledge that they are knowingly requesting or supplying music that may not be formally licensed or cleared and accept any associated copyright or legal responsibility.

By proceeding with non-compliant music, clients agree to indemnify and hold harmless SOUNDMODA from any claims, liabilities, damages, disputes, or legal actions arising from the use of such music.
 

Does this apply to all dance sectors?
 

Requirements can differ significantly between industries.

For example:

  • Some USA collegiate/allstar competitions have strict music compliance rules

  • Many studio performances, concerts, showcases, and regional competitions may operate differently

  • Some venues or organisations may already hold blanket public performance licenses

Because these situations vary globally, clients are encouraged to independently confirm any requirements relevant to their use case.

Regardless of sector, SOUNDMODA recommends using licensed or compliant music sources wherever possible.
 

Does my venue’s PRO license cover mixes?
 

Generally, venue licenses such as APRA One (Australia), OneMusic (New Zealand), PRS (United Kingdom), ASCAP (United States) or equivalent Performing Rights Organisation (PRO) licenses primarily cover public performance royalties relating to the underlying musical compositions/songwriters.

These licenses typically do not grant permission to:

  • Edit or remix commercial recordings

  • Create derivative edits of master recordings

  • Reproduce copyrighted recordings

  • Distribute edited versions of songs

In many cases, venue or PRO licenses only cover the right to publicly perform music, not the creation or use of edited/remixed recordings themselves.

Clients should independently confirm their own licensing requirements with their venue, organisation, competition, legal advisor, or relevant rights holders where necessary.

 

I have to fill out a Live Performance Report / Set List which includes a SOUNDMODA mix. What should I list?

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Generally, we recommend listing the original song titles and original recording artists included within the mix. This helps ensure that performance royalties can be correctly attributed to the relevant rights holders and performing rights organisations.

Clients should always follow any specific reporting requirements provided by their venue, competition, organisation, or licensing provider.

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I purchased my songs on iTunes / Apple Music. Am I covered?

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Generally, purchasing a song through platforms such as iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon Music, or Spotify only grants personal listening access and does not automatically provide rights to edit, remix, reproduce, distribute, or publicly perform the recording in all contexts.

Additional permissions, licenses, or compliant music sources may still be required depending on the intended usage, competition rules, venue requirements, or local copyright laws.

We recommend clients independently confirm any applicable requirements for their intended use and use licensed or compliant music sources wherever possible.

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Can SOUNDMODA create original music that I can license and/or own?

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Yes. SOUNDMODA regularly creates original music, custom instrumentals, voiceovers, and bespoke compositions for a wide range of clients and industries.

Depending on the project scope and agreement, clients may be granted specific licensing rights or full ownership/buyout arrangements for original works created by SOUNDMODA. Please contact us to discuss your intended usage and requirements.

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What does SOUNDMODA recommend?
 

We recommend clients:

  • Review their competition or event music policies

  • Consult their organisation if unsure

  • Source licensed/compliant music where required

  • Use licensed sources wherever possible for safest compliance

  • Seek independent legal advice for copyright-specific questions

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