Royalty-Free Music BEST Place?

Bruce Foreman · March 29th, 2009, 02:09 AM

11:59 tonight the biggest sale SmartSound has had ends.

I snapped up 4 albums this time, 3 of them Multi-Layer!

Even though they are single layer the Richard Band 1,2,3, and 6 are outstanding values at $24.95! (I already had 1,2, and 6 and paid a lot more than this price for them. Here is part of the email I got from them. Chris has a link in the post above.

========== From SmartSound ==================
We have OVER 30 Multi-Layer Albums on sale for just $39.95 each! That's the lowest I've ever seen them priced. ("Theatrical Impact" is a must-have at $39.95! So many great deals.)

Check them out:
SmartSound Specials

Marcus Martell · March 29th, 2009, 03:52 AM

I'd like to suggest you
jamendo.com

Chris Swanberg · March 29th, 2009, 01:59 PM

I would point out that while Free and legal music downloads - Jamendo is a neat place with lots of participating artists uploading their work, use of the music there is NOT royalty free for use in films or other audio visual works.

Matt Hiebert · May 7th, 2009, 10:29 AM

I recently purchased BackTraxx 1 for a documentary film I'm producing only to find out they have an entirely different license for commercial use. They told me on the phone I could use it however I wanted as long as the music was embedded with other media and not available for download separately. However, after reading the EULA that doesn't seem to be the case. Does anyone know what Digital Juice charges for a song if I want to broadcast it as background music in a film?

Matt Hiebert · May 7th, 2009, 10:51 AM

Digital Juice just contacted me. I can use the music anyway I wish as long as it's synced with other media.

Marcus Martell · May 9th, 2009, 12:04 AM

@ Chris:What you mean?You have to pay for that kind of use?

Chris Swanberg · May 9th, 2009, 10:19 AM

Yes, synch rights are not free, and carry other conditions.

Chris Swanberg · November 12th, 2009, 09:49 PM

Been a while since this post was in active. Meanwhile, as I write this today, 6 months later....Cinescore has a GREAT sale going on, just FYI... SmartSound is changing their marketing and DJ is as well. It is all good for film makers.

Sony's Sale: http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/...?keycode=64147 Good thru 12/31/09

Marcus Martell · November 14th, 2009, 05:41 AM

Hey Chris, is it easy to use?A couple of dvinfousers were suggesting each other to pick this with other boxes.....I need this for historical docs and national geographic style docs(i wish), do u recomend it to buy?

thx

Brett Sherman · November 14th, 2009, 08:52 AM

There are two open submission libraries I use. There's a lot of crap on these, but you kind find good composers too. Of course music is one of those things where there are many opinions.

Royalty Free Music & Stock Audio - AudioJungle
Composers: sashqxxx, soundroll, mich1s

Here is a collection of good tracks I made: Good Music Tracks - brettsherman - AudioJungle

RevoStock: Affordable Stock Video Footage, After Effects Projects, Music and Sound Effects
Composers:DanPhillipson, Darko Saric, DropDrop

Here is a mediabox I made with what I think are good tracks. I even added a couple of pieces I made, though I wouldn't put myself in the same category as the other composers. One of these days I'll have time to do some composition.

RevoStock: Affordable Stock Video Footage, Music and Sound Effects

Chris Swanberg · November 14th, 2009, 11:35 AM

Marcus.... the "Big Three" companies making music software specifically for film makers which is "Buy it Once, Use it Forever, no further fees, costs, hassles, etc", are SONY Cineform, SmartSound (Sonic Fire Pro) and Digital Juice. There are other sites where you can get sound FX, and individual pieces of music, sometimes for free, sometimes "free" but with a licensing requirement ($$) for use in a film (it may be free to download but has usage restrictions). I use a mix of all of them. It's ideally not a you can only have one... one size does not fit every need here.

Digital Juice Stacktracks are probably the easiest to use and the least "customable" of the big 3. They have an extensive selection though. Used to be one of the best pricing wise, but SONY and SmartSound have started marketing better and now DJ MAY be more expensive, especially in light of the lack of customizable features.

SmartSound is a very good product, and they are making it better. It takes a little to learn, but not terribly difficult. Good selection of tunes. Highly customizable.

SONY Cineform may be the best of all, though it has a somewhat restricted library content wise at the moment and until recently was expensive. Now with this sale it is one of the best price wise. Has more fetures than SmartSound, but also lacks a few they DO have that I like.

I'd make the following analogy - DJ is akin to Microsoft Movie Maker, while SmartSound and Cineform are closer to VAGAS/CS4/Premier/Avid. More work to learn and use, but WAY more flexible.

Depends on what you want out and more importantly need of your music. In many instances a DJ track has been "PERFECT". Sometimes I need more flexibility to tailor the length and sound of the music to fit.

With SONY and SmartSound you can manipulate the music and "sort of" do you own scoring. (Apologies to musicians, I know that is not what you would consider writing a score).

All 3 of the "Big Three" have websites where you can experience what they have to offer. Check em out.

I give a more detailed analysis in an earlier post in this thread.

Chris S.

ps. The idea of licensing music is not outrageous,and if you find something you like don't be shy about asking for a rate quote. I have even found music I liked and when asked, gotten permission for free non-commerical usage, with a proviso that it did not include commecial usage, which would have a fee attached.

pps. I cannot recommend one over the other. If you can only have one, it really would depend on your needs and how what they have to offer fits those needs and only you can know that. They are NOT expensive and I cannot imagine not having all 3.

James Huenergardt · November 15th, 2009, 04:07 AM

A new stock music web site with royalty free music is Tune Society.

Tune Society: Production & Media Music Community - Royalty-free

I found the music to be top notch stuff. Of course, because any musician who wishes can upload their tunes, not everything is going to be something you like. But the pricing is very reasonable, you download the tunes right there, and you get some very quality music.

Hope this helps,

Jim

Noa Put · November 15th, 2009, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Swanberg

SONY Cineform

That should be: Sony Cinescore :)

Marcus Martell · November 15th, 2009, 05:32 AM

Thanks guys: so i'll buy tomorrow CINESCORE!

I was wondering if anybody of u has ever bought song from jamendo, they r very cheap!
But i was wondering if there's something hidden i don't know when i purchase...for example if they have some kind of right once you buy their music for your own movies...i don't know?Anybodu out there have experience in that?

thx

Mike Dulay · November 15th, 2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Synchronize the music in timed relation with other audio/visual content in a software product, hardware product, electronic media such as DVD, CD and the like, whether for sale or free, and reproduce/duplicate such product up to a number of 10,000 units before needing any additional mechanical licensing.

If you publish to the web I take it that means you need additional licensing if your hit counter goes above 10,000?

Looking at Sony Cinescore's theme licenses I don't see any mention of such a restriction. Is my understanding correct?

March 29th, 2009, 02:09 AM	#31
Bruce Foreman Trustee Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Angelo Texas Posts: 1,518	Sunday last day of sale! 11:59 tonight the biggest sale SmartSound has had ends. I snapped up 4 albums this time, 3 of them Multi-Layer! Even though they are single layer the Richard Band 1,2,3, and 6 are outstanding values at $24.95! (I already had 1,2, and 6 and paid a lot more than this price for them. Here is part of the email I got from them. Chris has a link in the post above. ========== From SmartSound ================== We have OVER 30 Multi-Layer Albums on sale for just $39.95 each! That's the lowest I've ever seen them priced. ("Theatrical Impact" is a must-have at $39.95! So many great deals.) Check them out: SmartSound Specials

May 7th, 2009, 10:29 AM	#34
Matt Hiebert New Boot Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Jefferson City, Missouri Posts: 9	BackTraxx Broadcast License I recently purchased BackTraxx 1 for a documentary film I'm producing only to find out they have an entirely different license for commercial use. They told me on the phone I could use it however I wanted as long as the music was embedded with other media and not available for download separately. However, after reading the EULA that doesn't seem to be the case. Does anyone know what Digital Juice charges for a song if I want to broadcast it as background music in a film?

May 7th, 2009, 10:51 AM	#35
Matt Hiebert New Boot Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Jefferson City, Missouri Posts: 9	Nevermind Digital Juice just contacted me. I can use the music anyway I wish as long as it's synced with other media.

November 12th, 2009, 09:49 PM	#38
Chris Swanberg Major Player Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 904	Been a while since this post was in active. Meanwhile, as I write this today, 6 months later....Cinescore has a GREAT sale going on, just FYI... SmartSound is changing their marketing and DJ is as well. It is all good for film makers. Sony's Sale: http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/...?keycode=64147 Good thru 12/31/09 Last edited by Chris Swanberg; November 13th, 2009 at 12:04 AM.

November 15th, 2009, 04:07 AM	#42
James Huenergardt Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chehalis, WA Posts: 513	Tune Society A new stock music web site with royalty free music is Tune Society. Tune Society: Production & Media Music Community - Royalty-free I found the music to be top notch stuff. Of course, because any musician who wishes can upload their tunes, not everything is going to be something you like. But the pricing is very reasonable, you download the tunes right there, and you get some very quality music. Hope this helps, Jim __________________ Reel Inspirations - www.reelinspirations.com Commercials, Dramas, Image Pieces, Documentaries, Motion Graphics

March 29th, 2009, 03:52 AM	#32
Marcus Martell Trustee Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: spain Posts: 1,202	I'd like to suggest you jamendo.com

March 29th, 2009, 01:59 PM	#33
Chris Swanberg Major Player Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 904	I would point out that while Free and legal music downloads - Jamendo is a neat place with lots of participating artists uploading their work, use of the music there is NOT royalty free for use in films or other audio visual works.

May 9th, 2009, 12:04 AM	#36
Marcus Martell Trustee Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: spain Posts: 1,202	@ Chris:What you mean?You have to pay for that kind of use?

May 9th, 2009, 10:19 AM	#37
Chris Swanberg Major Player Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 904	Yes, synch rights are not free, and carry other conditions.

November 14th, 2009, 05:41 AM	#39
Marcus Martell Trustee Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: spain Posts: 1,202	Hey Chris, is it easy to use?A couple of dvinfousers were suggesting each other to pick this with other boxes.....I need this for historical docs and national geographic style docs(i wish), do u recomend it to buy? thx

November 14th, 2009, 08:52 AM	#40
Brett Sherman Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mount Rainier, MD Posts: 428	There are two open submission libraries I use. There's a lot of crap on these, but you kind find good composers too. Of course music is one of those things where there are many opinions. Royalty Free Music & Stock Audio - AudioJungle Composers: sashqxxx, soundroll, mich1s Here is a collection of good tracks I made: Good Music Tracks - brettsherman - AudioJungle RevoStock: Affordable Stock Video Footage, After Effects Projects, Music and Sound Effects Composers:DanPhillipson, Darko Saric, DropDrop Here is a mediabox I made with what I think are good tracks. I even added a couple of pieces I made, though I wouldn't put myself in the same category as the other composers. One of these days I'll have time to do some composition. RevoStock: Affordable Stock Video Footage, Music and Sound Effects

November 14th, 2009, 11:35 AM	#41
Chris Swanberg Major Player Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 904	Marcus.... the "Big Three" companies making music software specifically for film makers which is "Buy it Once, Use it Forever, no further fees, costs, hassles, etc", are SONY Cineform, SmartSound (Sonic Fire Pro) and Digital Juice. There are other sites where you can get sound FX, and individual pieces of music, sometimes for free, sometimes "free" but with a licensing requirement ($$) for use in a film (it may be free to download but has usage restrictions). I use a mix of all of them. It's ideally not a you can only have one... one size does not fit every need here. Digital Juice Stacktracks are probably the easiest to use and the least "customable" of the big 3. They have an extensive selection though. Used to be one of the best pricing wise, but SONY and SmartSound have started marketing better and now DJ MAY be more expensive, especially in light of the lack of customizable features. SmartSound is a very good product, and they are making it better. It takes a little to learn, but not terribly difficult. Good selection of tunes. Highly customizable. SONY Cineform may be the best of all, though it has a somewhat restricted library content wise at the moment and until recently was expensive. Now with this sale it is one of the best price wise. Has more fetures than SmartSound, but also lacks a few they DO have that I like. I'd make the following analogy - DJ is akin to Microsoft Movie Maker, while SmartSound and Cineform are closer to VAGAS/CS4/Premier/Avid. More work to learn and use, but WAY more flexible. Depends on what you want out and more importantly need of your music. In many instances a DJ track has been "PERFECT". Sometimes I need more flexibility to tailor the length and sound of the music to fit. With SONY and SmartSound you can manipulate the music and "sort of" do you own scoring. (Apologies to musicians, I know that is not what you would consider writing a score). All 3 of the "Big Three" have websites where you can experience what they have to offer. Check em out. I give a more detailed analysis in an earlier post in this thread. Chris S. ps. The idea of licensing music is not outrageous,and if you find something you like don't be shy about asking for a rate quote. I have even found music I liked and when asked, gotten permission for free non-commerical usage, with a proviso that it did not include commecial usage, which would have a fee attached. pps. I cannot recommend one over the other. If you can only have one, it really would depend on your needs and how what they have to offer fits those needs and only you can know that. They are NOT expensive and I cannot imagine not having all 3.

November 15th, 2009, 05:32 AM	#44
Marcus Martell Trustee Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: spain Posts: 1,202	Thanks guys: so i'll buy tomorrow CINESCORE! I was wondering if anybody of u has ever bought song from jamendo, they r very cheap! But i was wondering if there's something hidden i don't know when i purchase...for example if they have some kind of right once you buy their music for your own movies...i don't know?Anybodu out there have experience in that? thx