Music Licensing Responsibilities for DJs in Canada
Separate public-performance/event licensing from a DJ’s own obligations when making commercial copies of recordings.
Do not assume that “the DJ is licensed” solves every music-rights question. Entandem states that if a DJ is only hired to perform, the event organizer/promoter is generally responsible for the public-performance licenses; it separately notes that DJs may need a different license from Connect Music Licensing when making commercial copies of sound recordings onto digital media.
Public-performance licensing
Entandem administers common SOCAN and RE:SOUND music licensing for Canadian businesses, organizations and events. Its FAQ says a hired band/DJ who is not also the organizer/promoter is generally not responsible for acquiring the event’s Entandem licenses.
DJ copying/reproduction is different
The same FAQ distinguishes event/public-performance licensing from licensing associated with DJs making copies of sound recordings onto recordable digital media for commercial use. Verify current Connect Music Licensing requirements for your workflow.
Clarify responsibility in writing
For private events, venues and promoter-led events, ask who is responsible for public-performance licensing and do not make unsupported promises that your personal DJ setup covers the venue/event.
Sources & current references
- Entandem FAQ — DJ/event responsibility guidance.
- Entandem — Current Canadian public-performance licensing overview.
Current organizations, prices, rules and event listings can change. Verify directly before relying on them.