Direct License

A creative space for business discussions.

Moderators: admin, mdc, TAXIstaff

Post Reply
ToddB
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Apr 07, 2021 7:12 am
Location: Bronx, NY
Contact:

Direct License

Post by ToddB » Sat May 13, 2023 6:11 am

Looking for some advice signing non-exclusive tracks to a direct license deal. Thanks in advance.

User avatar
Paulie
Serious Musician
Serious Musician
Posts: 2664
Joined: Sun Mar 08, 2015 8:23 pm
Gender: Male
Location: San Antonio, TX
Contact:

Re: Direct License

Post by Paulie » Sat May 13, 2023 8:04 am

What is the context of your particular situation?

A direct music license deal is an agreement between a music creator and a company without involving a middleman organization. Instead of going through your PRO, you negotiate directly with the company. This has become more popular in the digital music age, as it gives creators more control and potentially better payment terms. It allows them to work out specific agreements for how their music is used and paid for. However, not all creators choose this route, and many still work with organizations that handle licensing and royalties for them.

Advantages:
  • More control: Artists have more say in how their music is used and paid for.
  • Potential for higher earnings: Artists can negotiate better payment terms and potentially earn more money.
  • Transparency: Artists can see how their music is being used and ensure they are paid accurately.
  • Customizable agreements: Artists can tailor the terms to their specific needs and preferences.
Disadvantages:
  • More work: Artists may have to handle administrative tasks themselves, which can be time-consuming.
  • Limited reach: Artists may need to invest more effort to ensure global licensing and royalty collection.
  • Negotiating challenges: Smaller artists may struggle to get favorable terms when dealing with big companies.
  • Reduced exposure: Artists may miss out on opportunities that music organizations could provide.
Paul "yo paulie!" Croteau
"Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." Beethoven
http://www.yopauliemusic.com | https://www.taxi.com/members/paulcroteau | https://youtube.com/@yopauliemusic

ToddB
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Apr 07, 2021 7:12 am
Location: Bronx, NY
Contact:

Re: Direct License

Post by ToddB » Sat May 13, 2023 10:38 am

Hey Paulie-
This is great and helps a lot! I really appreciate the time you put in to answer my question.

User avatar
Casey H
King of the World
King of the World
Posts: 14163
Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:22 pm
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Contact:

Re: Direct License

Post by Casey H » Sat May 13, 2023 11:21 am

Todd
Can you tell us more about the scenario? Are you dealing directly with the music sup at a TV production company?

Paul's answer was very good but knowing more about the situation would help. For example, you might be able to hire a publishing company as administrator for a percentage (e.g. 15%) to take that load off of you. But that might have impact if you also want to pitch it to libraries and for many, it has to be free and clear of other publishing entities.

Let us know.

Best,
Casey

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests