6 Types of Music Licenses to Legally Use For Your Projects: Adding proper music to your projects is something that simply cannot be overlooked. After all, it’s one of the most important creative elements to consider.
However, not everyone has the required skill to create their own music. If you’re looking to secure music licenses for your project but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got all the info you should know.
Let’s dive in.
1. Mechanical License
If you choose to physically reproduce a particular artist’s production, you’ll need a mechanical license to do so. In context, this typically refers to the manufacturing of CDs.
However, it also applies to any tangible form of distribution.
Interestingly, though, many people are unaware of the fact that a mechanical license is also required if you choose to cover an existing song. This is true even if you only use a portion of the original work.
This also means that remixes also fall into this category. This is one of the most beneficial license types for artists, as they generally get paid per copy.
2. Master License
As the name suggests, a master license is much more involved. When someone has master rights, that means they are able to claim ownership of the recording.
So, they are able to license these rights to specific individuals to use under predetermined circumstances.
In practice, someone who purchases a master license to a song is able to use the song in their project. However, they generally are not allowed to rerecord or edit the song.
Master licenses are typically recommended for those who plan on heavily using recordings that were created by another artist.
3. Public Performance License
If you’d like to be able to perform a song in public, you’ll need a specific license to do so. As you might guess, this is known as a public performance license.
However, it doesn’t apply solely to artists who wish to perform in front of an audience.
Businesses that play music at their facility are required to secure this type of license in order to legally do so. The same can be said about those who choose to install and operate jukeboxes in a public location.
Otherwise, you could encounter legal complications in the future.
4. Synchronization License
Also known as a sync license, a synchronization license is specifically designed for songs that are going to be paired with some sort of visual media. This can include films, advertisements, and commercials.
This helps establish specific permissions that the artist provides to those who use their work.
For this reason, they are one of the most common licenses that are distributed. It’s also important to note that a synchronization license is required no matter what portion of a song you use within your work.
Even a few seconds of copyrighted audio could create a number of problems for you if you don’t have the proper license.
To elaborate, let’s assume you are planning on including a medley of different tracks within a short film you are creating. In order to abide by copyright laws, you will need to secure a sync license for each song you plan on using.
You’ll also need this type of license if you plan on covering a specific song. Singing a Rihanna song in a video and then distributing it without a license is just as bad as using the original track without permission.
5. Print Rights License
It may seem odd to pursue a print rights license for audio content. However, this license refers to any scenario that involves a physical copy of sheet music.
If you choose to print a sheet music compilation, for example, you will need to secure the rights in order to do so. The same can be said about any form of reproduction of sheet music.
This is a relatively uncommon license when compared to the previously listed ones. This is simply due to the fact that people are far more likely to simply play or cover songs than to work with sheet music.
Finding high-quality music for your project can be a difficult process. However, there are platforms you can use in order to help bridge the gap between your creation and the perfect song.
You can visit commamusic.com to learn more.
6. Theatrical License
Those who wish to perform copyrighted work on stage will need a theatrical license. However, this only applies to a situation that occurs in a theater setting.
For instance, you won’t need a theater license if you are going to perform a cover of a song on stage at a music venue. In that scenario, you would need both a public performance license and a synchronization license.
A theatrical license is a bit different in the sense that it essentially combines a sync license and a public performance license into a single product. This is due to the fact that a theater is a private venue as opposed to being somewhere out in an open space where bystanders would be able to hear the song.
Proper Music Licenses Are Essential
Otherwise, you simply won’t have the right to use that music within your project. Keep this in mind when moving forward so that you can acquire the necessary music licenses as soon as possible.
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