Audiosocket

Questions About the Agreement

How much compensation will I receive when my songs are licensed by Audiosocket?

Compensation will vary greatly based on the scope of the project and purpose of the songs employed. Audiosocket does not participate in gratis deals like many licensing companies, but placements can range from under $100 to thousands of dollars for a single agreement. Usage agreements are all very different and calculations are based on the media outlet, number of units produced or number of viewers, number of times it is used and many other factors related to the particular type of media employed.

How much of the licensing fee does Audiosocket commission when they secure a placement?

Audiosocket commissions 50% of the gross licensing fee.

Does Audiosocket keep any of my royalties?

Yes. We keep 50% of the publishing royalties. You retain 100% of your writer's share.

Do I get to approve a specific license proposal? Can I say no to a particular use of my song?

ONLY IF THE LICENSE IS FOR AN EXCLUSIVE USE. For non-exclusive licenses - which are the types of deals Audiosocket strives for - no, Audiosocket retains rights of approval. When you sign-up with Audiosocket, you are hiring us to act as a licensing agent for your music and as such to use our best discretion to make non-exclusive agreements on your behalf. The agreement you sign when you begin work with Audiosocket gives us pre-cleared rights to your music for potential licensing. But, this is the pepperoni on the pie! This is why we are effective, and its the main reason why music supervisors call us first: Audiosocket can license your music the same day that music supervisors call with requests.

What do your clients do with my music?

Once an agreement is reached, our clients can only do with your music what is agreed upon in the licensing arrangement. That might include: Sync to footage for tv, film, DVDs, videos, games or websites, run as background music for any of the above, or run in television ads.

Will my music be edited?

It's possible. The client might need to edit your music to better suit their needs, meaning, specifically, starting at a certain point in the piece and cutting off the music at a certain point. Its volume may be altered. However, they will NOT be going into the track and remixing it, adding to it, etc. If they do ask for a track mixed differently or significantly altered or certain things taken out, etc., we will come to you and ask that you do it.

If I authorize Audiosocket to license my music, can I still work with other agencies?

Sure! All terms of use are non-exclusive so you can use the same piece as often as you like for other projects. If one of our clients specifically requests exclusive rights to a song of yours, you will be contacted, given requested terms of the agreement and ONLY YOU will have final say in that decision.

What if I already have a record or publishing deal?

A signed agreement MUST be received by any / all person(s), record labels, or companies that have control over any of the copyrights and intellectual properties in the sound recordings and songs that you submit. Without such written consent, your music will not be considered.

How long is my music kept in the Audiosocket catalog? How long is the term of our agreement?

Initial term is two years. You decide after that point if you want to continue working with us.

How do I remove my music from the Audiosocket catalog?

After your initial two-year term, you can remove your music at any time. You must submit your request in writing and allow at least 90 days for all pending agreements to clear. If you have been signed to a label, it is solely your responsibility to make them aware of your former agreements for license and usage in projects through Audiosocket.

Why does Audiosocket need SS #, Tax ID # and W-9 tax forms as part of the agreement?

In compliance with the Federal Tax requirements, we must report all wages and income received by US citizens to the IRS using your SS or Tax ID number. We cannot issue payment without this information.

If I would like payment made to my company do you need my SS# as part of the agreement?

No, if payments will be made out to a registered business name, you will need to submit the Federal Tax ID Number.

Questions About Music Licensing

What kinda music do Audiosocket's clients have a hankerin' for?

Our clients want high-quality, well-made, well-recorded music in all genres. This music and recording quality needs to stand up to the best that is out there, because that is what we are competing with, so keep that in mind.

Should my music be mastered?

Yes, it should. Mastered tracks give you the best chance to land in our catalog. More importantly though, mastered music has the best chance of being licensed for commercial use.

Simply get us the highest quality recording you can. One that's free of audio interference, and that represents your style of work.

How does Audiosocket share my music with its clients?

Audiosocket has developed an amazing music licensing technology that allows clients to search and stream your tunes. We tag each song with up to 100 unique attributes, so when our clients do a search, they get qualified results. Furthermore, we create promotion newsletters that highlight certain artists in our roster and will even send the occasional CD sampler to clients so they can hear your tunes while they're driving in their car.

Do I have to sign up with a performing rights organization like ASCAP or BMI?

You don't have to, but if you don't you're going to miss out on a lot of money. Every time your music is aired ASCAP or BMI tracks it and will send you a royalty check. Rates vary according to when, where and how often the song was aired. Yeah, so, you don't have to, but you're crazy if you don't. DO IT!

Questions About the Submission Process

How many submissions do you accept into the catalog?

We're very selective and have built a brand and a catalog of music that is synonymous with excellence. On average we accept about 30% of the artists that submit to us. While this might seem a little demanding, our clients expect it.

If I am not accepted into the catalog, do you offer feedback or criticism of my track?

No. We're not here to criticize or offer coaching. If you aren't accepted, we want to encourage you to go on and do great things: We don't want to discourage you in any way. You're probably just not what we're looking for at this time, or you didn't fit the criteria laid out in other areas of the website.

What do I have to do to submit?

To submit your music, the process can be pretty informal: upload four tracks to us via this here fancy website and we'll listen to them ASAP.

However, to be accepted, you have to give us a guarantee that the material you submit is yours (written and recorded by you, not sampled, NO COVERS). Anyone else who owns any part of the master recording or the publishing - or anyone who has any rights over the music in any way - must sign an Audiosocket agreement prior to acceptance.

Big mumbojumbo of lawyerese to follow: You indemnify Audiosocket and our clients if / should your accepted works infringe upon the rights of another.

Or, as we'd say had we not been infected by the lawyer gene: submit your own shit, don't infringe on copyrights, protect your assess, and we'll protect ours.

Should I submit MP3s?

Yes, submit MP3s. If you are accepted onto our roster, we will then ask you to send us CD's or high-quality WAVs or AIFFs.

Should I submit multiple versions (instrumental, vocal, remixes) of my songs?

No. Send us your four best tracks and once you're accepted into the catalog, we'll talk about multi-versions from a single work.

Can I submit songs that have co-writers?

Sure. Songs with multiple writers are eligible for our catalog. Just obtain signatures from all people involved with the work. Every writer, publisher and master owner MUST sign the agreement before Audiosocket will agree to add you to its roster.

What about samples and other gray areas?

Any music submitted to Audiosocket must be owned or cleared 100% for your usage and we must receive proof of that before we'll agree to representation. FULL STOP. If we're curt with you it's because originality is of the essence. Bring us good stuff, and remember that samples must be royalty-free and cleared as well. So, pretty please, with sugar on top, bring us your own songs.

Why is my submission limited to four tracks?

It takes a lot of time to personally listen to all of the music received. We trust that you and your band members know your most marketable pieces.

Can I submit my music more than once?

Yes. If you submit music to Audiosocket and are rejected, AND you have modified your music or recording, you are welcome to submit your music again.

Can I submit my music to Audiosocket if I am not a US citizen?

Yes, as long as you own the rights to your music, you can submit your tracks. If you are accepted into the catalog, you will need to file some additional tax forms that we can provide.

What if I play in multiple bands?

If you are in multiple bands simply submit multiple applications.

How will I know if Audiosocket has selected my music for their catalog?

We'll say yea or nay within 60 days following your submission.

Once I'm selected, what's next?

Audiosocket will provide a link to a kick ass, proud-as-papa kit of materials for you to download. Some of it will be fun pieces of paper for you to fill out; most of it will be legal lethargy, but all of it will help you take the next step to seeing your music licensed for use in projects. At this time, you will also be able to send us as much material that you have the rights to, whether it be the original four songs you uploaded, or the past four albums you have released. Once you're in, we want to hear it all!

How do your clients find the right music for their project?

Audiosocket's clients can rely on our intimate knowledge of the Audiosocket catalog, or they can browse tunes with their own personalized accounts. We have a staff that pulls songs for certain projects and our clients dive into the Audiosocket player and search for the tracks they need.

What happens once my music is selected for a project?

A Master & Sync Licensing Agreement is issued. We tell our client what to expect in terms of usage. The client responds with a signed document, and specific terms are set forth at that point.

Audiosocket collects the agreed-upon fee, you receive 50% of the amount granted for the license. Audiosocket pays artists at the end of each fiscal quarter. You will receive a quarterly check that states the amount your track was licensed for and where / how it was used.