How Do I License Music?
Have you ever heard a famous song being played as background music in a movie? Chances are that you have, and this could only mean that the song was licensed for use in that particular movie. Music license also applies when you hear a song in a video game, commercial, show, or another visual medium. The more songs in a particular visual medium, the more the licenses being held and royalties being paid. But what exactly is music licensing? And how can I get a music license? This article will answer these questions, and more light will be shed on music licensing.
What is a Music License?
When learning about music licensing, you will first need to know more than one type of license exists. For instance, there are copyright-free music and royalty-free music. A music license involves a right held by someone to distribute or/and use a piece of copyrighted music. Usually common in movies, music licenses can also be used for various visual mediums like television shows, commercials, and internet videos. This way, these mediums are permitted to use the songs by the owners following a certain agreement. Music license types exist in various forms, each having its nuances. Sometimes, you might be required to hold more than one license for legal and proper usage in a particular project.
Characteristics of a Music License include the following:
- Music is utilized when selling a product in a commercial.
- Artists and record companies license their music.
- Music (a piece or song) is incorporated into a movie at any point for a significant amount of time.
- Individual video projects using licensed music for creative objectives.
- Music licensing companies facilitate songs at a fee.
- Video games utilizing licensed music for in-game entertainment.
Types of Music Licenses
- Mechanical license
- Master license
- Theatrical license
- Public performance license
- Synchronization license
- Print license
How Do I License Music?
The music licensing act typically involves getting permission from whoever made the song (composer or writers) and whoever owns the recording. While it is not a complicated task, licensing music can be challenging, especially when figuring out how to contact the rightful entities. Often, music artists and recording companies will have contact info that is easy to find, especially if they have a website.
Consequently, you can find dedicated music licensing companies with a catalog to which you can also refer. Therefore, when it comes to licensing music in these catalog-based sites, you will simply have to browse, add and then explain what you intend to use the selected music for. The most crucial part of this process is having written consent from both parties- including the song owner and you, who are acquiring the license. This helps avoid complications that might arise in the future.
In conclusion, licensing music does not have to be a complicated task. To obtain a license, you only need permission from a legal entity representing a particular artist’s work. This can include a music licensing company, publisher, performing rights organization, record label, or artist. After a mutual agreement on the terms and conditions, the licensing entity can go ahead to provide legal paperwork regarding the license.