Trusted by thousands of US businesses
Three things every business owner who just got a GMR letter should know.
The Letter Is Real
GMR is a legitimate performing rights organization that represents artists like Bruce Springsteen, Drake, and Pharrell. They're not a scam, and the damages they cite are in US copyright law.
You're Not the Only One
GMR is actively mailing and emailing US businesses across every industry: bars, restaurants, gyms, retail, salons, hotels. If you got a letter, so did thousands of other businesses this month.
You Have Options
You don't have to sign GMR's agreement to become compliant. A fully licensed music service like Custom Channels covers GMR, along with every other PRO, in one subscription.
We cover every major US and Canadian music licensing organization.
Every song you stream through Custom Channels is fully cleared for business use.
United States
ASCAP
BMI
SESAC
GMR
Plus Canada
SOCAN
Re:Sound
Your music is licensed. Every song. Every agency. Period.
7-day free trial · No credit card required
Whether you just got the letter or you’ve been ignoring it for weeks – here’s what actually matters.
What the letter says
GMR's letter is designed to scare you into signing.
What you actually need to do
Get licensed. Don't sign with GMR directly.
7 days free. No credit card. Covered for GMR, ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC from day one.
Have multiple locations or a more complex setup? Book a quick call, and we’ll sort it out.
Is GMR a scam?
No. Global Music Rights is a legitimate for-profit performing rights organization founded in 2013 by music industry veteran Irving Azoff. They represent well-known artists including Drake, Bruce Springsteen, Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, and Harry Styles. The letter is real — but you don't have to sign their specific agreement to become compliant.
The letter threatens $150,000 per song. Is that real?
That figure comes from US copyright law, which sets the maximum statutory damages for willful infringement. In practice, actual settlements are far lower. The risk is real, which is why most businesses choose to get properly licensed rather than ignore the letter. Custom Channels covers you from day one of your free trial.
I already pay ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Do I still need GMR?
A license from one PRO only covers that organization's catalog. ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR each represent different songwriters and publishers. Custom Channels covers all four US PROs in one subscription, so nothing falls through the gaps.
What if I ignore the letter?
GMR typically follows up with additional emails, phone calls, and in some cases escalates to formal legal action. Ignoring the letter doesn't make the licensing obligation go away. The simplest path is to get covered through Custom Channels — from day one of your free trial you're licensed for GMR and every other major US PRO.
How fast can I be covered?
Immediately. When you start your free trial, you're licensed for ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR from the moment you log in. No waiting period, no paperwork.
Do I need to talk to sales to get started?
No. You can start a free trial on your own right now, or book a quick 15-minute call if you want help choosing the right setup for your space. No pressure either way.
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