Question 1

Is the ASCAP / BMI a scam?

Accepted Answer

There are four Performance Rights Organizations (PROs): ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR. These organizations are not scams; they are nonprofit entities that ensure artists receive fair compensation. Approximately 90% of the fees collected by PROs are distributed back to the artists. 
 
Businesses have an obligation to track every song played and its duration, submitting this information to both the PROs and Sound Exchange. We facilitate this process for you. Moreover, businesses must use legally licensed music. Fitness facilities offering instructor-led group classes are particularly obligated to use such music and obtain fitness class/public performance licenses to comply with regulations.

Question 2

How often do you have to pay?

Accepted Answer

Licenses are renewed annually and typically cost between $1,500 and $2,500 per year. The exact amount depends on factors such as the number of members and the weekly capacity of the facility.
 
When we handle your licensing, you benefit from the convenience of monthly payments instead of hefty annual charges.
- Business Music Subscription Only: $39.99 per month
- Music Subscription plus Licensing: Starting at $179.99 per month

Question 3

I already pay royalties to ASCAP, BMI, GMR, and/or SESAC. Why do I have to pay SoundExchange?

Accepted Answer

Every musical recording embodies two distinct copyrighted works. The first is the underlying musical composition, comprised of the written notes and lyrics (a “musical work”). The songwriter and/or his or her music publisher usually own the copyright in the musical work. The second copyrighted work is the actual recording itself – the sounds, including the recording artist’s interpretation of the musical composition, and the creative efforts of the producer, sound engineers and background musicians (a “sound recording”).

SoundExchange collects and distributes royalties associated with the sound recordings made by services operating under one of the statutory licenses. By contrast, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR collect and distribute royalties associated with the public performance of musical works.

Question 4

Which apps are gyms able to use in an “open gym” setting?

Accepted Answer

Any business legal supplier such as RockBot, Mood Media, or our Rock My Fitness platforms. Our services include the Rock My Gym Music Scheduler, along with the Rock My Fitness Class Music App tailored for group classes.

Question 5

Which apps are gyms able to use for fitness classes?

Accepted Answer

Any business legal music supplier that reports your usage to the PROs and Sound Exchange. We love the Rock My Fitness Class App for classes!

Question 6

Is Spotify, Pandora, Apple, etc viable alternatives?

Accepted Answer

Any direct-to-consumer streaming platform would be illegal to use.

Question 7

What if you own multiple locations? Do you need a license for each?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you license one physical address. If you own multiple locations, each location needs their own streaming account and their own licenses from each PRO.

Question 8

Is there ONE app that can play licensed music so we don’t have to get multiple?

Accepted Answer

YES! Rock My Fitness stands out as the sole provider offering a one-stop-shop solution, combining a scheduler for ambient music with a fitness class app meticulously crafted by coaches, for coaches.

Question 9

What makes Rock My Gym or Rock My Fitness Class superior?

Accepted Answer

Where do we start?!
1. Our professional DJs create all of our mixes and collaborate with fitness Coaches. We don’t pull mix files from online vendors or use bots to create shuffled playlists. Our DJs have been making music specifically for fitness for over a decade! 
2. Our app has innovative features for Coaches to enhance the class experience, like our one tap cooldown or volume controls, or our Max Out button. 
3. Our music has a much lower skip rate (0.58 skips/hr) compared to Spotify playlists (14.65 skips/hr). Although consumer apps aren't permitted for business use, competitors employ a comparable shuffle format.
4. Our support team are experienced fitness industry professionals. Your account leaders understand fitness operations and experience.
5. We are also the only one-stop-shop that can provide a scheduler for overhead music, an app for GX music, and can manage your additional licensing for you!

FAQ