What is Royalty Free Music?
When looking for music for media projects many professionals sensibly choose royalty free production music. The sheer variety available nowadays is astonishing and the cost savings can be significant as compared to traditional fees paid in royalties.
Royalty free music can be used in a wide range of media – and other – projects, from websites to corporate videos, in waiting rooms, podcasts, for events, for educational purposes, television, film, radio and cable broadcasts and for a huge variety of other uses. So long as it`s for the sole use of the buyer one license can be used to utilise a piece of music in several projects at once. When you consider that under the royalties system each and every use would cost an additional fee it`s easy to see how the benefits mount up.
Paying once for a license then being able to use that piece of music in as many projects as you need to gives a distinct advantage but the sellers obviously need to look out for the composer`s interests too. There are usually sensible restrictions in place and each seller will detail these clearly for you. For instance some may disallow the use of their music on shop floors or as on hold music in more than a pre agreed upon number of locations. These restrictions protect the composers and sellers from over dilution of their work and mean that they can continue to afford to sell royalty free, benefitting all parties in the end.
It`s important to distinguish between royalty free and copyright free. Usually royalty free music retains its copyright, meaning that the copyright interests remain the property of the composer or seller, depending on contract. Always check whom you need to acknowledge as the author or owner of the piece in your credits. It`s also known as `buyout music`, which is a little more misleading because even after paying your license fee the rights still don`t belong to you.
With the correct license, royalty free production music can be rearranged for the specific needs of the user, so long as derivative works are properly credited of course. Commonly the music will be delivered via CD or WAV file, so these can be imported to a computer and with the right software or equipment you`re on your way. You can easily find good DJ equipment online to help you to do this. Places like <a href=”http://www.dawsons.co.
When I purchase a royalty free mp3, what does your license entitle me to use it in?
Videos, Multimedia/CD Rom, On Hold Services, Film, Documentaries, Television, Radio, Web Sites, (Streaming only) Education, Background Music, Music on Hold, Cable Networks, Wedding and Events, Advertising Music and Trade Shows. If your usage is not listed here, contact us.
May I use it on more than one project?
Yes, our license allows you to use it in as many projects as you choose.
Do I ever have to pay any additional renewal fees?
No, you are granted a single site, lifetime license for the music, so no additional fees are ever required.
The music I purchase will be broadcast. Are there any additional licenses or requirements?
Music for broadcast requires a separate license, please contact us at info@sonicimagery.com. In addition, you must agree to submit a Cue Sheet to ASCAP so they are able to monitor the broadcast performance.
The track I purchased is not playing correctly. What do I do?
Check your sound card options or control panel to verify that its settings are optimized for mp3 playback.
I downloaded the mp3 but now I can’t find the track on my computer.
Either 1) do a file search or 2) download it again and note to what folder the “save to disk” dialog box is saving your mp3.