Use music

Setlist

• What is a setlist?

  A setlist, also referred to as track list or play list, is a list of songs which are or have been performed during a live music event.  For GEMA, the setlist actually fulfils an important role. Only if we get the setlist after the concert, can we pay GEMA royalties to the creators in question. That is why it is important that, 6 weeks after the live event at the latest, you submit a setlist to us .
  
  Of course, the setlist is also important to the performing artists. Since it sets the order of the performed musical pieces, it actually contributes to the success of a concert.   

• When do I need to submit a setlist (playlist)?

  A setlist provides details on the musical works performed during a live event. That way, we can determine which composers, lyricists and music publishers receive royalties for the live performance. As an event organiser, you thus ensure that those creators whose works were performed during your event actually get paid.

  Please submit a setlist no later than six weeks after the performance for:

  • Concerts

  • Festivals

  • Events with live music

  The easiest way you can do this is in our Online Portal under My setlists. Find out more on this, such as how we distribute our collections, under this is how GEMA distributes your money.

• What do I need to do if the music was GEMA-free?

  You must also notify us of GEMA-free live music no later than 6 weeks after the event in title lists or setlists. The easiest way you can do this is in our Online Portal under My setlists. During the step-by-step entry process, you have the option to tick the box “notify as GEMA-free” here. 

• How can I delegate the submission of setlists to the bands, artists or managements?

  If you are an event organiser, it is quite simple to delegate the submission of the setlists to bands, artists or managements.

  1. Just go to the Online Portal area  My events.
  2. Click on the symbol with the red envelope icon in the event overview – and a link will be sent to your email address. 
  3. Simply forward that link to the bands, artists or managements. 

  The good news: You automatically receive an email notification once the setlist has been submitted. (This must be done within 6 weeks of the event).
  
  Delegate setlist submissions

• How do I submit a setlist?

  You can submit a setlist (playlist) via the GEMA online portal in the ‘My Setlists’ section. The submission process consists of three steps:

  1. Click on ‘Submit setlist’.
  2. Select the relevant event.
  3. Enter the tracks played using the GEMA works database.

  Submitting a setlist is a contractual requirement and serves to ensure that licence revenue is distributed to the rights holders on a work-by-work basis. The setlist must be submitted no later than 6 weeks after the live event. If no submission is made, you will be charged a 10% surcharge on the licence fee. Any applicable discounts (e.g. from blanket agreements) may also be forfeited.

  Under ‘My Events’, you can check the submission status of all events.