| Here is a compilation of
questions often asked about Royalty Free Music. If we’ve
left out your question or if you need further clarification,
call us toll-free at 1-800
HOT MUSIC, or email us at info@cssmusic.com.
We’re happy to help. |
Q: |
What is Royalty Free Music? |
A: |
Instead of a needle drop fee or laser
drop fee (royalty per use) the CSS royalty free license grants
you what might be called a “lifetime blanket”. Essentially
a lifetime blanket bundles all the possible needle drops, production
blankets and annual blankets into one 99 year term with one
upfront fee to cover a wide array of licensed uses as opposed
to separate fees for each application. Broadly speaking,
the CSS royalty free license covers licensees for their applications
in audio, AV, video, film, television, radio, multimedia,
web sites, podcasts, advertising on hold, commercials,
and tradeshows. If you’re not sure yours is a use
permitted under the CSS Standard License, please call 800-468-6874
or e-mail info@cssmusic.com for clarification |
Q: |
Does “copyright free” mean the same
as “royalty free”? |
A: |
No, the term “copyright free is a misnomer. Even
if a piece of music is in the public domain, the sound recording
is probably under copyright. Other so called “license-free” approaches
can be misleading as well. While they avoid the “work” of
signing a license agreement, they also avoid spelling out the
rights you think you are buying. |
Q: |
Is Buy-Out Music “royalty free”? |
A: |
Yes, in the sense that you pay all of your costs for bundled
licensed uses up front (cost of media or download fee + a 99
year
license to use the music. Perhaps a better term would be “royalty
up front”. |
Q: |
Is there reporting required under the CSS Standard
License Agreement? |
A: |
Generally, unlike needle drop, production
blanket and annual blanket licensing, there is no need to
report your use of CSS Music unless your particular application
is one of the excluded uses (e.g. full length theatrical
motion pictures). If
your project will be broadcast, however, you must submit a
copy of the cue sheet. The CSS Standard
License Agreement is viewable at www.cssmusic.com. |
Q: |
What is a Cue Sheet? |
A: |
A Cue Sheet is a chronological listing
of all music used in a project. Please visit www.cssmusic.com
to view a cue sheet tutorial and access a downloadable cue
sheet pdf. |
Q: |
What rights am I getting when I purchase royalty
free music? |
A: |
Basically with all music licensing
(whether needle drop, production blanket, annual blanket
or lifetime blanket), there are 3 rights you need: Mechanical, Synchronization and
Public Performance. The mechanical right (aka “Master
Use Right”) lets you re-record the music from a purchased
CD, download, etc.and edit and process it. The synchronization
right lets you put the music into time relationship with a
picture. Finally you need the Public Performance Right. Your
CSS Standard License provides you with all three necessary
rights. Please visit www.cssmusic.com to view the CSS
Standard License Agreement. |
Q |
Once I Buy My CSS Music, how many times can I use
it? |
A |
Unlike a needle drop, you can use a tune under the CSS
Standard License (except excluded uses) as many times as you
like, in as many productions as you like for the complete term
of the license. |
Q: |
What if my project will be broadcast. Is there
any problem? |
A: |
No problem at all. Broadcasting is permitted under
the CSS Standard License with no additional charge (if you
are a broadcaster, you would be covered under your arrangement
with Broadcast Music Inc.). However, certain types of
broadcast content (made for TV movies, network television prime
time programming and national television commercials on ABC,
CBS, NBC, FOX) require an additional Master Use and Sync
License. If your project is a program for broadcast television
(a reality show or documentary for example), a copy of
the episode cue sheet must be sent to CSS Music (please see
the Cue Sheet Tutorial on the cssmusic.com homepage). |
|
If I am using CSS Music in a mass produced and marketed product, how many
units may I replicate under the Standard License? |
A: |
The CSS Standard License permits duplication up to 50,000 units. Addiitional
50,000’s are available for licensure. As of 7/2007, the rate per composition for
additional 50,000’s is $50 (with a $150 min.) Volume pricing is available, please call
800-468-6874 for details. |
Q: |
Can I charge my clients a fee for the Music? |
A: |
You can charge your clients for the
music you include in their projects when you also add other
audio and/or visual elements. Your investment in a royalty
free library from CSS can provide you with significant added
revenue. In fact, its very possible that you’ll pay
for your library purchase with your very first production. |
Q: |
What if my friend at another facility asks if he
can use the music? |
A: |
Tell your friend that your license
doesn’t cover this
use. You may not lend, share or distribute the music
(or sound effects). Your license is granted to one individual
organization or site. |
Q: |
Can I use CSS Music on a web site? |
A: |
Yes but only when you utilize a streaming format that prevents
the music from being used by unauthorized parties and when
the music is combined with other audio and/or visual elements
added by you, the License, and where the music is not a featured
part of any web presentation but rather an incidental or background
element. |
Q: |
Can I use CSS Music for Advertising or Message on
Hold? |
A: |
Yes. This use is specifically provided for in paragraph
2(a) for the CSS Standard License. So called “Music
on Hold” is permitted only at the site licensed. Additional “Music
on Hold” sites are licensed separately. |
Q: |
Can I use CSS Royalty Free Music for a trade
show? |
A: |
Yes, indeed, even if you are producing an AV/Video project
for a client who will actually be the exhibitor. It is a good
idea to always supply your client with a copy of your CSS license
along with your invoice. Some shows do require exhibitors to
prove their right to use music. |
Q: |
Are theatrical motion pictures covered by the
CSS Standard License? |
A: |
No, but this use is available with
an additional license. Other exclusions to the CSS Music
Standard License include Made For Television Motion Pictures,
full length (60 minutes or longer) direct to video motion
pictures, network television prime time programming (ABC,
CBS, NBC, FOX) and national television commercials. These
excluded uses are also available with an additional license. |
Q: |
Can I add lyrics to CSS Music I purchase? |
A: |
No, this is not a permitted use. |
Q |
Can I import CSS Music into a digital sampler and
or music creation software package
in order to create new
musical compositions? |
|
No, this is not a permitted use. |
Q: |
What if the CSS License changes? |
A: |
While CSS does reserve the right to
change the terms of its license agreement without notice,
changes over the years have been few. What’s important to remember is that when you
fully execute your CSS agreement, its provisions and the rights
you’ve purchased remain in effect for the full length
of its term. |
Q: |
What if I don't like the music I ordered? Can
I return it? |
A: |
Naturally, we hope you'll take advantage of Tele-trax (either
online or touch-tone phone) to assure yourself prior to ordering,
but yes, we want you to be satisfied with your purchase. Music
may be returned within 15 days of receipt by following this
procedure:
1) Please call us at (323) 666-7968 and let us know you wish to return item(s).
We won't try to talk you out of it, we just like to know what items are being
returned and to remind you of the remaining return requirements listed in #'s
2 and 3 below.
2) Prepare a brief, signed statement on your letterhead indicating that you neither
copied or used the material.
3) Return the statement and both copies of the CSS License along with the product
you are returning. Your credit card will be credited the same day we receive
your return with all necessary elements. |
