What Is AllTrack and Why Are They Shaking Me Down?
For many business owners, especially in hospitality, food and drink, and entertainment, music licensing already feels like a necessary but heavy cost. Bars, restaurants, and venues using background or live music must stay compliant. But lately, a new player has entered the mix: AllTrack. Some owners are asking, “Is this a legitimate PRO, or are they targeting small businesses for extra fees?”
The Familiar PROs, Then a New One Appears
Most business owners know the big three PROs: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. These organizations collect licensing fees on behalf of songwriters and composers so those creators are paid when their music is performed publicly. For years, paying those fees was the understood path for legal music use.
But now AllTrack is showing up in that ecosystem, and the reaction is mixed.
Who Is AllTrack?
AllTrack (or AllTrack Performing Rights) positions itself as a modern, tech-forward PRO built for independent music creators and publishers. Their site shows they handle performance, mechanical, and neighboring rights, and they claim to collect royalties globally. They list artists like Elle King, No Doubt, Gucci Mane, Ty Dolla $ign, and Future as part of their represented catalog.
AllTrack also promotes a model where business licenses are a “nominal fee,” often structured as a blanket license covering unlimited usage. (help.alltrack.com) This sounds appealing for simplicity, but it also raises red flags when paired with reports of aggressive enforcement.
Custom Channels’ Perspective on AllTrack
We have come across AllTrack before, and they do operate as a PRO for a small repertoire of independent artists and songwriters. That said, our music library at Custom Channels is highly curated, and the music we use is licensed through other PROs. Our licensing agreements already cover the major performing rights organizations needed to keep your business compliant. In other words, if you use Custom Channels, you do not need to worry about receiving letters or demands from AllTrack for the music you play through our service.
Are They a Cash Grab?
It is reasonable to question whether AllTrack’s enforcement tactics are aggressive, especially when some business owners report emails or legal demands seemingly out of nowhere. Here are the common points of contention:
- Cold outreach and legal threats: Some owners say they received demands with threats of lawsuits if they did not comply.
- Catalog ambiguity: If you do not recognize the artists they claim to represent, it is hard to know whether their demands are valid.
- Overlap with existing PROs: Many songs are already covered by ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Paying again to AllTrack may feel duplicative.
- Transparency concerns: Because AllTrack is newer and less tested, there is less publicly verified proof of its enforcement legitimacy.
That said, none of this proves they are fraudulent, only that businesses should approach demands carefully and critically.
What You Can Do if You Are Contacted
If AllTrack or a similar entity reaches your business:
- Fact-check their claims: Ask for a detailed list of which songs they represent and compare it with your actual playlist.
- Get legal advice: If demands include threats, consult a copyright or entertainment attorney before paying.
- Use a fully licensed service: Services like Custom Channels bundle licensure from all major (and less common) PROs so you do not have to worry about threats from smaller organizations.
- Document and push back: Keep correspondence, timestamps, and demand transparency. Many enforcement efforts lose traction under scrutiny.
Why This Matters for You
Music licensing was already a balancing act. With new PROs like AllTrack entering the scene, it is easy to feel squeezed from every angle. The best protection is being proactive, having clear licensing, keeping records, and using services that bundle risk so you can focus on running your business, not policing music rights.
If you want a safe, all-in-one solution with no surprises or extra letters, Custom Channels offers fully licensed, curated music for businesses. We handle PROs, licensing, and compliance so you do not have to.
🔗 Learn more about how licensing works on our Licensing page.
📰 For more on 2025 licensing developments, check out our in-depth post: Music Licensing Laws 2025.
Have questions about music licensing or how to get started?
Our music consultants and licensing experts can help you navigate everything from compliance to creating the right sound for your business.
Call us at 303-444-7700 or email customerservice@customchannels.net. We are happy to help.
