Music licensing – what you need to know about PPL

PPL? What's that?

Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) was set up by the record industry in 1934 as a non-profit-making organisation to grant licences for the broadcasting of recorded music such as CDs, tapes and records in public.

It safeguards the copyright of the original recording artists, and the fees generated by the licences are in turn passed back to the recording artists, musicians and record companies.

You'll need a PPL music licence if you broadcast original recording artist music in public (such as your exercise to music classes).

Recent changes to the way music licensing is overseen by PPL means that one licence, which can be purchased from any of the five legal license suppliers, (FitPro, PPL, Pure Energy, Solid Sounds and Power Music) now covers you to teach to any music, whether you bought it on the high street or from one of the PPL-licensed providers of mixed compilation music for the fitness industry.

Do I really need a licence?

If you're broadcasting recorded music in a public setting, then yes.

This doesn't extend to blasting out Britney when you’ve got your friends and family round for Sunday lunch; but if it’s in a commercial setting (like the group exercise classes you teach) then you'll need to be covered.

What music can I play with my licence?

Any original recording artist music purchased from a music store or from any of the legally recognised suppliers in the UK that have rights allocated by PPL to produce music especially for the fitness industry.

Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?

Bear in mind that your licence applies to the original copy of the music, not one that has been copied by you or from someone else.

What about cover versions – do I need a licence to play them?

Most cover versions these days have been recorded by artists who are represented by recording companies...in which case, yes, you do.

However, there are also some cover version specialist companies that specifically record and mix cover versions for the fitness industry. In this case a PPL licence isn’t needed. If you’re in doubt, check with the company – they’re obliged to tell you one way or the other.

Why should I get my PPL licence from FitPro?

Well, presumably you're here to get your hands on original artist music mixed by industry specialists.

The music produced by FP Music is beat-mixed into 32-count blocks, at speeds and BPMs to suit any class and fitness level. And, as the music is continuous, there's no need to interrupt your session to change CDs.

Getting an FP Music PPL licence means you'll be covered for the broadcast of our exclusive original artist mixes and class compilations, as well as shop-bought music and tracks produced by other PPL licensed suppliers.

But I’ve already got a licence…?

Great – you’re good to go. Even if you bought your PPL licence from another legal provider, you’re now eligible to broadcast FP Music’s exclusive class mixes.

Am I covered under my club’s PPL licence?

It’s likely that the club will be paying PPL for background music used in reception, restaurants and changing facilities, but that doesn’t mean they’ll have a licence which covers studio classes. If you think you’re covered under a corporate licence, you’ll still need to check you’re a named individual on that licence. If you’re unsure, ask your fitness manager.

Hang on – I already had a PPL licence from another music provider and then bought a PPLlicence via FP Music. What should I do?

FP Music collects your license fee on behalf of PPL, which we then pass on to them. Please contact PPL directly to discuss your situation – www.ppluk.com

How much does a PPL licence cost?

A basic PPL licence for an individual instructor starts at £90.63 per year, or from £18.41 per month, including six CDs per year.

For information about getting your PPL licence through FP Music, just give us a call on +44 (0)20 8586 0101.

We produce only the very best in sounds for the fitness industry, with the hottest tracks mixed by London’s leading DJs.

What else do I need to know?

Want to know more about the ins and outs of licensing? Click over to the official PPL site.