How much does music licensing cost?

"Licensing music for use in commercials, video games, movie soundtracks"

• My partner and I produce music, primarily house/dance/techno music, but some hip-hop as well. We're trying to find out how to go about having our music licensed for use in commericals, video games, movie soundtracks, etc. Please provide a list of companies and/or agencies that look for music to use in these venues. For example, I would think an advertising agency that's producing a commerical may be interested in licensing one of our tracks for use in a television or radio commercial. Thanks, tfoster4k

• Answer:

  Hello Tfoster4k. I've compiled a list of some companies that can help you to license your music. I had to wade through quite a few to find ones that accepted unsolicited submissions (or at least didn't overtly state otherwise). In most cases I've linked directly to the relevant submission/information page, although I would suggest looking around their sites before submitting anything. I also came across some interesting articles and books which I've listed below. I would highly recommend getting a book or two on the subject before you start submitting to companies. From my research this sounds like quite the complicated business. I wish the very best in your musical endeavors! -shiva777 Licensemusic.com http://www.licensemusic.com/addmusic/ Vault Music Services http://www.vaultmusicservices.com/catalogsub.htm Song Catalog http://www.songcatalog.com/?cmd=page&space=SongCatalog&object=Pro_Song.html http://www.songcatalog.com/?cmd=page&space=SongCatalog&object=Develop.html The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers http://www.ascap.com/licensing/ Soundies http://www.soundies.com/cons_lic/Default.asp Alazia Entertainment http://www.alaziaentertainment.com/New-Music.htm BMI http://www.bmi.com/songwriter/about/index.asp Sesac http://sesac.com/licensing/licensing1.asp The Harry Fox Agency http://www.harryfox.com/ Dittybase http://www.dittybase.com/help/dblicensingFAQs.htm BugMusic http://www.bugmusic.com/frontdoor/faq.cfm EMG http://www.clearance.com/mcfaqs.htm Sugaroo (note:couldn't find submission info on site) http://www.sugaroo.com Toby Darling http://www.tobydarling.com/submit.htm Music State (note:couldn't find submission info on site) http://www.musicstate.com/ Love Cat Music http://www.lovecatmusic.com/ Mazmania http://www.mazmania.net/form.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can find plenty more at these pages. Note that not all of the companies listed will accept submissions. http://directory.google.com/Top/Business/Arts_and_Entertainment/Music/Licensing/ http://dmoz.org/Business/Arts_and_Entertainment/Music/Licensing/ http://dir.yahoo.com/Business_and_Economy/Business_to_Business/Entertainment_and_Media_Production/Audio_and_Sound/Commercial_Music/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Online Articles and Guides for Licensing Music: Getting Your Indie Music Licensed http://www.collectedsounds.com/corner/articlejuly02.html Licensing Your Music Into Film and Television http://www.mmsdirect.com/news/article-29-1.html Television Music http://www.taxi.com/insiders/tv.html Film Music FAQ http://www.filmmusicmag.com/faq/index.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the course of my research here are some books that were recommended: All You Need To Know About The Music Business http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0684870649/ Songwriters Market http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0898799805 Kohn On Music Licensing http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/073551447X Sell Your Music! http://www.nmdbooks.com/order.html All You Need to Know About the Music Business http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0684870649 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Search Strategy: "how to sell your music" how to license music "selling your music" "music licensing" "music licensing" directory