Production Music Licensing Explained

Simplifying The Complex World Of Music Licensing

Understanding the world of music licensing can feel daunting, but our goal has always been to make it as clear and easy as possible to get the music you need with the appropriate coverage for your specific use.

Production music was originally created specifically for media production for use in TV shows, films, commercials, trailers, radio, and more. It’s basically music made to be easy to license, edit, and ready to drop into a project, rather than music released for people to stream or buy. It’s music that’s intended to be licensed for a specific use, for a pre-determined amount of time.

Why Production Music Licensing Exists

Music is intellectual property. Music licensing exists because there are typically multiple parties who own the rights to a song. These include the songwriter(s), publisher(s), the recording owner (Master Rights Holder), and sometimes additional rights holders.

Production music libraries simplify this process by offering tracks that are pre-cleared for licensing. That means instead of tracking down multiple parties, you can license music through a single source to get clear usage rights.

Two Main Rights in Music Licensing

When you license music, you’re typically dealing with two separate copyrights:

1. Composition Rights (Publishing) - this covers the underlying song, including melody, chords, and lyrics.

2. Master Rights (Sound Recording) - this covers the actual recording of the track that you hear.

To legally use a piece of music in something like a video, you generally need clearance for both. Production music libraries simplify this because they usually control both rights or have the ability to license them together.

What Is a Sync License?

A sync license (short for synchronization license) is the permission to “sync” up music to visual media. This includes if you are putting music into something like a commercial, movie trailer, a social media campaign, and more. When you sync the music to the video it requires a sync license.

A blanket license is a licensing agreement that allows a company, agency, or production team to use music from a library under a broad set of terms, usually over a set period of time.

Instead of having a license for each track, a blanket license gives broader access. This is popular because it reduces paperwork, saves money, and ensures coverage for a wide variety of uses.

“Production music was created specifically for media projects like TV shows, films, commercials, trailers, radio, and more — designed to be easy to license and ready to drop into a project.”

What Are Performance Royalties?

Performance royalties are generated when music is broadcast or performed publicly. This includes television broadcast, cable networks, streaming platforms, live performances and radio. These royalties are typically collected by PROs (Performance Rights Organization) such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Broadcasters or networks typically handle performance royalty payments.

What Is A Cue Sheet (and Do You Need One?)

A cue sheet is a document that lists all music used in a production. Cue sheets help ensure the correct composers and publishers are credited and paid through performance royalties. For many advertising campaigns cue sheets are not used. For TV programming, they’re often essential.

Can You Use Production Music in Paid Advertising?

Yes, production music is commonly used in paid advertising. A music license should clearly state wether paid advertising is included.

Can You Use Production Music on YouTube Without Copyright Claims?

Typically yes, but it depends on the library’s licensing model. YouTube copyright claims usually happen because a track is registered in Content ID systems. If the system detects the track, it may automatically flag the video. A production music library should be able to provide proof of license, whitelist your channel if needed, and assist with resolving claims.

What Does “In Perpetuity” Mean?

“In perpetuity” means there is no expiration date on your usage rights. This is especially valuable for evergreen brand content, corporate explainers, websites, and long-term YouTube videos. If your campaign will live online for years, perpetual licensing can prevent further takedown issues. Perpetual licensing is not always included automatically, it depends on the agreement.

“Production music libraries simplify music licensing by offering pre-cleared tracks through a single source, so you don’t have to track down multiple rights holders.”

Why Editors Love Alternate Mixes

Production music is designed to be edited. Many libraries provide multiple versions of the same track. These can include reduced versions, versions without drums or melody, 30-second and 60-second edits, and more. These can be helpful for editors trying to exact timing on a spot.

What Are Stems?

Stems are separated audio components (drums, bass, guitar, synths, etc.) that allow editors to customize a track. They can be helpful for video with narration, dialogue, trailer builds and more.

Custom Music Edits

Once you find the right track for your project, Atomica offers custom editing and mixing so you can get a professional mix with seamless edits to give your video the feel of a custom-scored project. Think of us as your own custom music department.

Customer Service

One of the things that distinguishes Atomica is the attention to personal customer service. We can take your brief and get a customized playlist back to you quickly with tracks handpicked by our team of Music Directors. Have a brief ready to go? Get in touch.