Anyone know about music licenses?

December 20, 2020 10:44 AM

I want to download a song for my own pleasure, but the company just wants to sell me a license?

There is a song I love on PremiumBeat.com and I want it. Naturally it's watermarked with the sound of "Premium Beats" in the background that isn't supposed to be there. I emailed the company and they said they sell licenses for songs, but nothing for non professional use.

What does this mean? If I buy a license what can I do with it? Does that mean I can download the song for my music collection, but also sell it to others too? I'm confused. I like this song and I want it.

posted by fantasticness to Media & Arts (4 answers total)

Buying a license usually means you're allowed to use it as music in your film or commercial or whatever. If you really like the song and the license is affordable, I would just buy it-- pretend to be using it for a professional project if you have to. Or ask the company what you asked us-- they might like to know their music has recreational appeal.
posted by blnkfrnk at 10:49 AM on December 20, 2020 [4 favorites]

They just mean they aren't selling for $.99 as a personal download. They want to license it for use in a video, movie, or theatrical performance. Usually these licenses are pretty expensive, like $25 and up, but you certainly could listen to it as part of your own collection if you paid.
posted by wnissen at 11:20 AM on December 20, 2020 [3 favorites]

For $49 you can license the song for web or personal use, ie as the track for a video or podcast. What's covered by the fee is clearly stated on the website. You may not resell it.

You can of course spend $49 and just listen to it.
posted by DarlingBri at 12:14 PM on December 20, 2020 [4 favorites]

I have a family member who writes music for licensing—if you are able to find the artist’s info and contact them directly you may be able to work something out for personal use, and I bet that they’d be thrilled to find a fan.
posted by tchemgrrl at 4:13 AM on December 21, 2020