Instrumental Versions of Songs

[FMstereo]

Hi there

If you have a song placed with a music library, would the contract be likely to include any instrumental version?

I'm wondering whether it would be OK to try and place an instrumental of the same song (though probably with a different title) somewhere else.

Thanks.

Cheers

[eeoo]

If it's signed exclusively I would think that signing the instrumental elsewhere would be a no no.

eo

[Casey H]

If it's signed exclusively I would think that signing the instrumental elsewhere would be a no no.

eo

What Ethan said... You would not be able to sign the instrumental elsewhere.

Casey

[FMstereo]

Thanks Ethan and Casey. I was guessing that would be the case, but just wanted to check. I expect the rules will be different for non-exclusive placements.

Cheers

[Casey H]

Thanks Ethan and Casey. I was guessing that would be the case, but just wanted to check. I expect the rules will be different for non-exclusive placements.

Cheers

Yes, with non-exclusive you are free to do what you want. For example, sometimes my backing tracks are in non-exclusive libraries which pitch those for reality TV background cues. At the same time, the vocal version is in other non-exclusive libraries pitching those.

It's important to keep in mind in this discussion that when you put a vocal song in a library they almost always want the no-vocal version too so supervisors can mix and match to their needs. That is (part of) why if you place a either the vocal or instrumental in an exclusive library, you can't place the other elsewhere.

Casey

[FMstereo]

Thanks Casey.

Cheers