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 protected by Teosto or Gramex. Soneila's music is its own original catalogue, not registered with Teosto or Gramex — so playing only Soneila does not require a separate Musiikkilupa to play this music. This rests on a principle Teosto itself confirms: music not administered by a collecting society is not billed.

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 protected by Teosto or Gramex (radio, Spotify, your own playlists, most streaming services). If you play only Soneila, you don't need a separate Musiikkilupa to play this music, because Soneila's catalogue is original and not registered with Teosto or Gramex.

Does Soneila fully replace a Musiikkilupa?

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.