FAQ: Music license for live and background music

New Gramex fee on your music license

Gramex has expanded its repertoire to include music from new countries, which they previously did not collect fees for. This change follows a 2020 ruling by the EU Court of Justice. Denmark must comply with EU regulations, so the Ministry of Culture has amended the Danish rules, effective January 1, 2024.

These new rules will impact both customers, who pay Gramex through Koda to use the music, and the rights holders to whom Gramex distributes the money.

What does this mean for you as a customer?
Koda/Gramex has entered into a new framework agreement on music licensing with Horesta, Dansk Erhverv, and DRC, effective July 1, 2023. The new, adjusted price structure makes the agreement more transparent and easier to understand for music users. While the main parts remain unchanged, music users will experience the following changes:

• Music users will pay for the exact number of music events they host. The new linear pricing replaces the previous limited 'box system,' where users had to pay for a set number of events per semester.
• The price will now follow music consumption: more music will result in a higher price, and less music in a lower price. Previously, price reductions were based on a complicated calculation that could increase the total price even with reduced music usage.
• Music users will only need to report their music events biannually instead of annually. Billing for music usage will still occur on January 1st and July 1st, allowing for greater flexibility.
• Koda/Gramex will offer a lower takeaway price to restaurants that are not set up for seated guests.

Why has the price changed?
The price has changed to ensure that everyone pays for the amount of music they use. If you host fewer events, you pay less; if you host more events, you pay more. This change respects those who create the music, ensuring they receive payment for the actual value their music creates in public spaces.