Songwriters, composers, and publishers generally authorise APRA AMCOS, or similar overseas organisations, to administer their rights in Australia and New Zealand. Our licences offer you a straightforward way to use a fantastic range of global music in your business or organisation. Without them, you would need to request permission and a licence from each music creator for every work you wanted to use.
Looking for a particular song or work? Search the APRA AMCOS registered song and work catalogue.
TIP: Read the summary on ‘How to search for a song or work’ before searching.
How do I find out which music licence I need?
APRA AMCOS offers music licences for:
For films and advertisements, you can use our research service to contact the copyright owners of the musical work and sound recordings. You'll need their permission and licence to use their work. Alternatively, you can use production music.
OneMusic is a joint initiative between APRA AMCOS and PPCA that licenses public performance of musical works and sound recordings.
What's OneMusic?
OneMusic Australia is an APRA AMCOS and Phonographic Performance Company of Australia Ltd (PPCA) joint licensing initiative launched 1 July 2019.
In Australia music creators generally authorise two organisations to administer their rights. APRA AMCOS (composers and music publishers) and PPCA (recording artists and record labels).
OneMusic Australia offers joint public performance licences so there's no longer any need for separate licence agreements and invoices from PPCA and APRA AMCOS. OneMusic Australia allows businesses to meet copyright obligations for the public performance of musical works and sound recordings more seamlessly.
Do I need a music licence to record a cover?
There are a few things you should know about releasing a cover.
Permission
Good news, you don't need permission to release a cover as long as it has already been released by the original copyright owner.
Royalties
Releasing a cover either on a physical product, like a CD or vinyl, or online, requires payment of royalties. If you're represented by a label, they will likely already be covered by a licensing agreement. Check with them to see if you're covered.
Licensing for physical products, like CD or vinyl
For physical releases you need something called an audio manufacture licence, which is available through APRA AMCOS.
Licensing for online release
For online platforms that are already covered by a licensing agreement, like Spotify, you don't need a licence. However, if you plan to release it through an unlicensed platform, like your own website, you'll need a licence.
We've got specialised departments to look after our members, licence enquiries, international affiliates, and more. Get in touch or send us a message using our department direct form.