How Soundtrack Is Revolutionizing Music Licensing for Businesses and Artists

 Lisa Farris | CMO | Soundtrack.io

By MUBUTV Staff

How Soundtrack Is Revolutionizing Music Licensing for Businesses and Artists

Using music for business is a whole lot more complicated than just pressing play—and the title of today’s post, How Soundtrack Is Revolutionizing Music Licensing for Businesses and Artists, sets the stage for why that matters.

If you’ve ever wandered into a coffee shop and found yourself humming along to a catchy tune, you might not realize there’s a whole world of licensing, artists, and business rules making that moment possible—or not possible, if things aren’t done the right way. In this episode of the MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast, hosts Ritch Esra and Eric Knight sat down with Lisa Farris, Chief Marketing Officer at Soundtrack, the company dedicated to bridging the gap between artists, technology, and business. Let’s dive into how they’re changing the game for everyone involved.

Why Music in Business Matters

Music isn’t just background noise. According to Lisa Farris, it’s the “universal language” and has the power to create emotional connections between brands and their customers. Whether it’s the perfect playlist in a hotel lobby or the energetic beats in a cozy café, music shapes how we feel and how businesses present themselves.

But here’s the catch: not all businesses are playing by the rules. In fact, 79% of small and mid-sized businesses are using music illegally—meaning they’re not paying the proper licensing fees. This isn’t just bad for the artists (who are losing up to $1.4 billion in revenue each year!), but it’s risky for businesses too.

The Big Licensing Problem (And Why Soundtrack Cares)

Most business owners aren’t music experts—they’re just trying to create the right vibe for their customers. That’s where the problem begins. There are lots of rules about how to license music for commercial spaces, and most people simply don’t know what they’re supposed to do. Lisa Farris shared that many businesses use personal music accounts (like Spotify or Pandora) instead of commercial licenses—and often, it’s because they’ve never been told otherwise.

Soundtrack wants to be the solution. They offer an easy, one-stop service that covers all the licenses needed, so businesses don’t have to juggle multiple performing rights organizations, confusing rates, or endless paperwork.

How Technology (and Soundtrack) Makes It Easier

Enter the power of technology. Soundtrack doesn’t just automate licensing—they use AI to help businesses create the perfect playlists for any mood, time of day, or brand type. Want calming music for a morning coffee crowd? Or high-energy hits for Friday night at a restaurant? Soundtrack’s AI makes curation easy—and creative.

And get this: Soundtrack is the only company with an AI music creator that curates HOURS of music quickly and helps avoid repetitive loops (imagine not hearing “Jingle Bells” fifteen times every holiday season!).

Artists Win too—Here’s How

When businesses use music legally, everyone wins—especially the artists and songwriters behind the music. Lisa Farris made it clear: Soundtrack accurately tracks and reports what’s played, so creators get paid. That’s a big change from the old system, where reporting (and payments) were often a mystery.

Plus, Soundtrack is a discovery tool. Around 33-40% of people discover new music in business environments like cafes, hotels, and shops. If artists make sure their tracks are available on platforms like Soundtrack, their tunes have a shot at reaching brand-new listeners while earning revenue.

Common Mistakes Businesses Make with Music

Not sure how to set up the perfect vibe? Lisa Farris says the biggest mistake business owners make is choosing music based on their personal preferences—not their brand or audience. Some businesses even ignore the opinions of their staff, who often know what customers want to hear.

Need examples? Global brands like Lululemon let managers pick music based on location, while others want the same playlist for every store worldwide. Some drive-through coffee shops let employees crank the tunes for every car customer. The key is being thoughtful—music isn’t one-size-fits-all!

Education is Everything—and the Future Is Coming Fast

A big part of How Soundtrack Is Revolutionizing Music Licensing for Businesses and Artists is about changing the conversation. The industry needs to do a better job educating BOTH businesses and artists about the right way to use music. That means more transparency from performing rights organizations, simpler processes for getting licenses, and better advocacy for creators at every stage.

With technology like AI, streamlined licensing, and better outreach, the future of music in commerce is bright. Even the big players—labels, publishers, and organizations—are starting to pay attention and overhaul old systems.

Takeaways for Artists and Business Owners

  • Using music legally creates happier customers AND supports the people who create the tunes.
  • AI-powered tools make curation easy, quick, and customizable for any business.
  • Artists should make sure their music is available on business platforms for more exposure and earning potential.
  • One-stop licensing (like Soundtrack) is changing the game, making compliance effortless for everyone.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: How Soundtrack Is Revolutionizing Music Licensing for Businesses and Artists

  • Streamlining Licensing: Soundtrack provides a one-stop shop for music licensing, saving businesses time, stress, and risk.
  • AI-Powered Playlists: Their smart tech creates custom playlists, matching mood, audience, and even time of day, so brands sound their best.
  • Supporting Creators: Accurate tracking and reporting mean artists get paid—and customers discover their music in new spaces.
  • Education and Advocacy: Businesses, artists, and industry leaders all need to get on board with better education and transparency.

BEST MOMENTS: Highlights from the Podcast

  • 💬 “Music is the universal language—it creates the soundtrack of our lives and helps businesses build brand connections.” – Lisa Farris
  • 💬 “79% of businesses still play music illegally, leading to a $1.4 billion loss for creators!” – Eric Knight
  • 💬 “Soundtrack’s AI playlist creator helps businesses curate hours of music, so no more repetitive tracks in your store.” – Lisa Farris
  • 💬 “Artists have a huge opportunity for discovery and income if their music is available on B2B platforms.” – Ritch Esra

TIMESTAMPED OVERVIEW

  • 00:00 Why music matters in business
  • 05:30 The compliance gap: 79% use music illegally
  • 10:30 AI playlists make curation easy
  • 13:20 Opportunity for artists: discovery and monetization
  • 20:50 One-stop licensing removes business headaches
  • 35:10 Tailoring music for mood, time, and audience

VALUABLE RESOURCES

LINKS TO CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Ritch Esra and Eric Knight are longtime music industry professionals passionate about educating and empowering artists, businesses, and music fans alike. They love helping artists and pros navigate the ever-changing world of music and commerce.

So, if you’re a business owner, an artist, or just really committed to supporting great music, this episode shows how How Soundtrack Is Revolutionizing Music Licensing for Businesses and Artists is paving the way for a future where everyone wins—more fun, less confusion, and more music all around.