1. What is Royalty Free Music?
When music is used in media, permission must be sought from the owner of the various ‘rights’ of the music. This can be costly and traditionally permission was granted on a ‘per-use’ basis. Royalty Free Music offers a simple, one off licence which gives producers the ability to use the licensed music for any future projects that fall within the terms of the licence and at a more affordable price.
The various ‘rights’ of music are:
Mechanical Rights: The right to copy and use the music in a media project.
Synchronization Rights: The right to use the music to accompany visuals.
Performance Rights: The right to broadcast the music to the general public.
Royalty Free Music licences vary significantly from company to company with regards to their limitations of use. Most licenses give you both the Mechanical and Synchronization rights to the music, although always read the small print for possible distribution or media type restrictions. This then leaves only the Performance Rights to consider.
Performance Rights fees (or Performance Royalties) are administered in each country by a local Performance Rights Organization (PRO). These organisations represent the composers of the music, collecting fees from broadcasters on their behalf. Broadcasters usually pay an annual blanket licence fee to settle all music they broadcast for the following year. Broadcasters will then present the local PROs with cue sheets to enable them to appropriately distribute the annual fees to the composers. Performance royalties, therefore, are not usually paid for by the Royalty Free Music licensee as they will not be the broadcaster.
Broadcasters, most commonly, are considered to be TV or radio companies. Other means of ‘broadcast’ could be the internet, podcasts, on-hold telephone systems, retail outlets, restaurants, elevators, etc... For most countries, these are not considered ‘broadcasts’ and so no performance fees will be due. Depending on the intended use, the licensee of the Royalty Free Music may wish to check with their local PRO what uses may attract performance royalties. Click here for a list of PROs.
In summary, the main advantages to Royalty Free Music are:
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2. Why can't I use any music for my project?
Click here to read about the various music ‘rights’. If you wish to use non ‘Royalty Free’ music, you will need to contact the various copyright owners to seek permission and gain a licence. This can be very expensive.
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3. What are the advantages of using music from Protean Music?
We provide high quality, great value music with a simple licence. See also What is Royalty Free Music?
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4. Do I need a new licence if I use music again in a new project?
No, the licence covers all future projects of the licensee providing they fall within the agreed terms. For our records, we do ask that you advise us of projects in which you use the music, and if music is to be broadcast that cue sheets are submitted as per the licence terms.
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5. Can you help me choose a track for my project?
Yes. E-mail us the details of you project and the kind of music you’re looking for and we are more than happy to help.
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6. How will I know when new music is put on the website?
New music is posted to the website on a weekly basis. If you wish to be notified of new tracks, you can sign up to our e-mailer when registering with the site.
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7. When and why must I submit cue sheets?
Composers are entitled to receive performance fees for the broadcast of their music (paid by the broadcaster, not the Royalty Free Music licensee). The licensee is therefore required to submit cue sheets to enable the collection of these fees by the composer’s designated Performance Rights Organization (PRO). You may wish to use our cue sheet (PDF version / Word version). Please e-mail us a copy to sales@proteanmusic.com.
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8. What is the quality of the music files?
Our main track files are delivered in high quality, 256bit MP3 format. This format offers good audio quality with reduced file size. If you wish to receive a copy of the music in WAV 44.1/16bit, please send us an email and we’ll be happy to send it to you. All Loop tracks are in WAV 44.1/16bit.
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9. Can I edit tracks I have bought? If so, how can I do this?
Yes, you can edit the tracks to fit your project(s). Please read the licence terms for full details.
There are various software applications that can be used. Examples include:
Windows
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Audacity - Audacity is a free audio editor. You can record sounds, play sounds, import and export WAV, AIFF, Ogg Vorbis, and MP3 files.
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Arial Audio Converter - Convert audio formats between MP3, WMA, OGG, MP2, WAV( PCM,DSP,GSM,ADPCM ),G721, G723,G726, VOX, ALAW, ULAW with different settings. Free trial.
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Sound Forge 7.0 - A full featured commercial sound editing application. Free trial.
Mac
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Audacity - Audacity is a free audio editor. You can record sounds, play sounds, import and export WAV, AIFF, Ogg Vorbis, and MP3 files.
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BIAS - Peak - A full commercial audio editor for OS X
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10. In what currencies can I pay?
USD, EUR, GBP. Select the desired currency at the top right of the page.
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11. I don't have a Paypal account. Can I still buy music from your site?
Yes. You do need to have a credit, debit, American Express or Solo card, but you may purchase our music through the Paypal service without being a Paypal member. When going through the checkout, select "If you do not currently have a Paypal account, click here” and you will be taken through the usual payment system with the option of joining Paypal, should you choose to do so, at the end of the process.
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12. Can I use Protean Music on YouTube?
Yes.
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