MASTER & PUBLISHER LICENSING

WJOY can identify, negotiate, and license music from publishers and master holders for use in any media. We have been in the forefront of licensing with major publishers and master holders for Internet use. We also have extensive experience expediting live performance, theatrical, and mechanical licensing.

Licensing music may be thought of as a two step process: secure permission from the music publisher who holds the rights for your use of the words and/or music, then secure the right to use a specific rendition or recording of the words and/or music; i.e., secure the master rights. Sound simple? It can be, but often isn't.

When dealing with stock or library music the ability to secure publishing and master rights may be a straightforward process completed quickly, at one time for a set fee. At the other extreme, a song may have multiple writers, and entirely different artists may have recorded and charted with the song. Everyone must agree to the uses of every element of this pre-recorded song before it is yours to use.

Negotiating how, where, when, and how long a song can be used may take weeks or months. There are many details which clients assume are not a factor. They often don't know what to ask or how to frame a request for use. Just as often, they don't know what they don't know. Changing one element of a license may have a significant effect on the price of music or its availability for use at all!

WJOY acts on behalf of clients to strike the best deal possible while still preserving and respecting the integrity of the publisher's and master holders music. We have built our relationships on confidentiality and trust. "Win-win" is our only business plan. Our goal is always relentless pursuit of enhancing the project with just the right music. "Win-win" is the challenge and joy of our business.

WJOY licenses from all labels. We enjoy positive working relationships with the majority of publishers and master holders on both US coasts, in Nashville, Memphis, Austin, and our own Chicago, and with music firms in Europe and Hawaii. We are not restriced to any label or artist's library.

At the same time, we have established representation relationships with many key publishers, masters and music-related services. WJOY offers non-exclusive representation for broadcast placement with ARC Music Publishing, Chess Music (publisher), Alligator Records (EyeBall Music Publishing), Evidence Music (master), OBoy Records (master), Red Pajamas (publishing), Pravda, Southport Records, Fred Ahlert Music Publishing, Clyde Otis Music Publishing, Vee Jay Records (master), Orpheus Music (publishing), Bright Ideas Music (master and publishing), Drive Entertainment (master), Chesky Records (master), Delmark Records (master and publishing), and many other labels, publishers and performers who contribute to our industry by working hard to make their dreams come true.