Where to buy license for popular music?

[Igor]

I know websites with archives of Royalty free music.

But I didn't find where to buy licenses for popular music of large companies (Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group) for commercial use.

Please advice.

[fh1805]

Igor,

For AV workers in the UK, the source of such licences is the Institute of Amateur Cinematographers (IAC). Their website is here: www.theiac.org.uk

regards,

Peter

[Igor]

Thanks, Peter.

As I understand, for commercial license we have to contact directly with these companies (Sony Music, Universal, etc.).

I contacted to Sony Music. The commercial license for 1 (one) track is 2500-5000 USD for 5-10 years. That's simply unreal.

[fh1805]

Igor,

Try www.prsformusic.com. They're involved in the UK for licensing music commercially. They may be able to assist you.

Peter

[denwell]

Igor

I assume you are wanting to use commercially recorded and published 'popular' music, then, yes, you must contact the owner of the copyright (normally the record company who published the recording), but this is a nightmare and as you have found out very, very expensive - I've been down that route!

Peter's suggestion of the Performing Rights Society/MCPS (in the UK) may be of use - they can act as agents working between their members and customers who need to use specific musical works in a production or product.

Good luck with this

[Igor]

Thanks.

I successfully solved two issues with music in two shows on this week:

1. Today I will publish a new AV show on YouTube and our website. The author used royalty free music, and I contacted directly to the author of this music - Australian composer Richard Goldsworthy www.richardgoldsworthy.net to ask his permission (because we're commercial company). And he allowed me to publish slideshows with his music on our website.

Of course, AV enthusiasts can use his music for personal usage without prior permission, because it's royalty free music.

2. For my "Late summer at the garden" show I purchased royalty free music in Barry Beckham's shop allowed for this use.