Some Canadian media outlets recently covered SOCAN’s efforts to seek out hair salons across the country, in order to ensure they were aware of their obligation to obtain a licence for the use of music on their premises. Several SOCAN spokespersons interacted with the media to explain the organization’s mission during the hair-salon campaign, which included an ad in the July/August and September issues of the bilingual Hairdresser magazine. The ad included the illustration and slogan pictured above. In general, salons are required to pay SOCAN licence fees under Tariff 15A (Recorded Background Music, Not for Dancing) and/or Tariff 15B (Music on Hold).

“We contact all establishments, companies, enterprises and services using music in public,” says France Lafleur, SOCAN’s vice-president, Licensing. “We use different ways to contact them, including communications through their professional associations. We already have more than 31,000 music users licensed. Good relations with the different industries are important to us, since they represent our clients and future clients. Many users recognize the value music adds to their business, but they might not be aware its creators must be paid, just as their other suppliers are. For example, hair salons know they have to pay for their hair products. Well, those who created the music that adds ambiance to their business must be compensated for their work as well.”

“Our members are our ambassadors,” adds SOCAN president Pierre-Daniel Rheault. “You might one day happen to discuss this topic with your hairdresser, your dentist or your restaurant owner. Remember the basics: it’s only right that when you work, you’re paid for it!”