Free royalty-free music for company video blog?

[sonick]

My company is wanting to do a series of informational youtube videos and we need generic background muzak, anybody know where I can find such a thing?

Would I legally be able to use Podsafe music? The videos are not commercial, in a sense they are informational about the product and destination (travel industry) than about our company.

Thanks

 

[milosz]

How is "information about the product" not a commercial use?

 

[yerfdog]

Originally Posted by milosz

How is "information about the product" not a commercial use?

Haha, yeah, if you work for a for-profit company and they are official company videos they are clearly commercial use

 

[lefty]

This is a commercial use, but there are a number of low cost options. Do a search for royalty free music and you should be able to find something that you can license for a few hundred bucks.

lefty

 

[sonick]

Originally Posted by milosz

How is "information about the product" not a commercial use?
Well, for instance, if BestBuy were discussing the pros, cons and merits of different LCD TV's (like what CNET does), Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, etc. Or if the had a video about Plasma vs LCD technology. Is it still considered commercial? They are not promoting themselves, just providing information to consumers on products they just happen to sell.

 

[Robertito]

Yes, that's commercial use.

 

[CDFS]

Recordings over 70 years old?

 

[milosz]

Cnet is a news outlet, not a retailer. Yes, Best Buy running ads comparing different models they sell is commercial use - the **** do you think a commercial is?

 

[Harold falcon]

Just steal some from some people on youtube. Who is going to watch this video? No one cares.

 

[Steve Thomas]

Go to http://incompetech.com/. Follow the directions for using royalty free. It's easy and the songs are fine. Tons of options on there.

 

[sonick]

Thank you all, despite the snark.

 

[BernieStevens]

What you are proposing is commercial. And the artists of the music you'd like you to use should be paid.

That said, there are a ton of folks who would like to just get their music "out there" so other people will see and hear it. Google "creative commons". You'll find music and artists there. It's the license contracting most web content producers are using for material.

 

[Avocat]

Sonick, with all due respect, your question is a thorny one; crossing jurisdictional boundaries by taking music online subjects you to a multitude of laws on the matter. Honestly, seek out legal advice. For general informational purposes only (and in no way rendering legal or any advice), many online are operating under the mistaken belief that there is a non-commercial use exception which allows them to upload/download works, but which belief is untrue: basically, there's no such thing in the US as non-commercial use rights. Also, in the case of a sound recording, different copyrights attach, namely, one in the musical composition itself (notes and lyrics), and one in the record (its artistic rendering as captured in the recording of that song). In other words, when using a recording, there are two separate but equally important copyrights involved. Simply put, using a copyrighted work without its owner's express permission-or a license-is copyright infringement unless found to be a Fair Use under the US Const., but Fair Use generally speaking doesn't recognize commercial use (i.e., wherever doubt, get a license). Canada's "fair use" doctrine (known as "fair dealing") is really thin by comparison to the US doctrine, there being fewer albeit much clearer exceptions. Also, unlike the US, Canada (and the EU) recognize what's known as droit moral (Moral Rights), and which are in addition to the already noted copyrights in the work. Basically, moral rights belong to the owner of the work, protecting the integrity of the work as the owner sees fit (i.e., another bundle of thorny issues). Copyright durations vary from nation to nation, but last a very long time (note: in many places, it's for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years, depending once again on the nation involved). Also, just b/c something may be royalty-free in one nation (ie., expired copyright so as to fall into the public domain, under Fair Use, a limited license to use, etc.) doesn't mean its not protected some place else. Again, very thorny issues, for which you really should seek proper legal advice. I see you're in Canada? Excellent. If you don't have legal representation already, might want to google and contact the IP/E-Commerce Law Center at Osgoode Hall Law School (they've exceptional resources available to you and everyone online). They've also a clinic, but better for you to give UBC's law clinic a shout. I don't know the extent of UBC's assistance, but they should be able to direct you to a licensed member in BC at the very least. (I don't specifically know anyone in BC that I could refer you to, sorry; but Osgoode and UBC are a good start, and should be able to assist and/or better direct you). Also, check this link out: http://www.socan.ca/jsp/en/pub/contact/index.jsp It's to SOCAN, who ultimately handles clearances and royalties in Canada (clearing for digital use isn't all that simple, but there are always options and alternatives no matter what, and SOCAN can/does assist). I always recommend people seek proper advice before doing anything though, and trust UBC can direct you in that regard, as I assume by posting here you haven't got a lawyer already (and if you do, make an appointment). Seriously, learn how to do it right and consider your options, including the commons idea above etc. which is a good idea, I agree. There are a lot of musicians out there looking to earn a living who own their material 100% and are likely to be very happy to hear from you, but remember, don't sign anything until you get proper advice (seriously, it's worth it). Best of luck with your project. tl/DR: Osgoode Hall has immense resources on line available, and SOCAN clears music in Canada, but digital rights (online use of music) is very complex, involving many issues, and for which you should seek legal advice.