An alternative to a music licence: original background music for cafés

What background music costs a café

The traditional setup is two separate costs: a Musiikkilupa (Teosto + Gramex) and a streaming service. Soneila replaces both for its own catalogue.

Sources: the Musiikkiluvat.fi 2026 price list (Background music in a restaurant) and Telia's Soundtrack Business product page. Reseller prices, VAT 0 %. Checked 24 June 2026.

What are Teosto and Gramex?

Teosto represents composers, lyricists and publishers; Gramex represents performers and record producers. When a café plays music they protect in its customer areas, a background-music licence (Musiikkilupa) is required, sold by GT Musiikkiluvat Oy at musiikkiluvat.fi. The licence is not included in a streaming service's monthly fee — it always comes separately, including when you use Soundtrack Business.

Currently playing Spotify in your café? Spotify's own terms say it isn't for business use — read our separate comparison: can you play Spotify in a café.

When a Musiikkilupa is not needed

A Musiikkilupa is required when a café plays music in the repertoire of Teosto or Gramex. Soneila's catalogue is made for Soneila and has not been registered with either society — so on our assessment, playing only Soneila does not require a separate Musiikkilupa for this music. Teosto's own guidance is that a licence is required if AI music is based on protected music or reproduces it — which is why we promptly remove any track that is credibly claimed to resemble a protected work.

These are not the same thing

In fairness: a licensed service gives access to well-known music — the artists and hits Soneila doesn't offer. Soneila is built for the background: curated, original moods that play all day without managing playlists. If you specifically need well-known tracks, a licensed service is the right choice — and then you also need a Musiikkilupa.

How to switch to Soneila

Switching is quick: subscribe to Soneila, open the player in your browser on any device — tablet, phone or laptop — and press play. No app installs, no building playlists, no hardware. Curated channels play all day, and you pay one €5/mo fee per location instead of maintaining a separate licence and streaming subscription.

Frequently asked questions

Does a café need a music licence?

Yes, if the café plays music in the repertoire of Teosto or Gramex (radio, Spotify, your own playlists, most streaming services). If you play only Soneila, on our assessment you don't need a separate Musiikkilupa to play this music, because Soneila's catalogue is not registered with Teosto or Gramex.

Does Soneila fully replace a Musiikkilupa?

On our assessment Soneila removes the need for a Musiikkilupa only for its own catalogue. If the café also plays other music — radio, Spotify or your own playlists — playing those may still require a Musiikkilupa.

How much do I save?

A small café (1–6 seats) pays €23.87/mo for a Musiikkilupa (VAT 0 %) plus a streaming service separately, typically €59–79/mo. Soneila is €5/mo (€60/year + VAT per location). Always check current figures at Musiikkiluvat.fi, as prices can change.