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Licensing

What is a license?

A license is the right, granted by the copyright holder, for a given person or entity to use copyrighted work. A license allows you to use a recording of a musical work in conjunction with other audio, video or live elements.

Why do I have to license music for my productions?

Since music is considered Intellectual Property, a license must be obtained from the owner before music is used for any production.

What is a blanket license?

When a client has a blanket license, this means they can access multiple tracks at one time for multiple uses in the future. This can be a limited number of tracks up to the 120,000+ total we currently have available. Most often, the fee for this license is a yearly flat fee based on various considerations including the number of libraries licensed, length of agreement, broadcast vs. non-broadcast, etc.

What does “needledrop” mean?

A “needledrop” is a specific type of license that allows the licensing party to use a piece of music one time in one production for a predetermined amount of time. It’s called a needledrop because it allows you to “drop the needle” (as with vinyl records) once on your production. Once you change that production in any way, or choose to exploit it in any media not originally licensed, another license may be required.

When we use your music, do we need to contact the performing rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC)?

Typically, clearance of performance rights and payment of any associated fees is the responsibility of the television station, radio station, website/streaming platform or other media outlet on which your production is being broadcast. In cases where these outlets may not have a performance agreement with ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, you may need to obtain a Performance License directly from Warner Chappell Production Music. Our Directors of Licensing can help answer any questions you may have regarding direct licensing.

How much does it cost to license a track or library?

The cost of a license will vary depending on how and where the music is being used. For any questions regarding licensing please call (888) 615-8729 to speak to one of our Directors of Licensing.

General Information

How many tracks or libraries does Warner Chappell Production Music have?

We are one of the leading Production Music companies in the world, with over 115,000 tracks spanning over 90 individual Music Catalogs.

How do I get started?

Please visit our Contact Page. Call us and/or email us at info@warnerchappellpm.com and we can assist you quickly and easily!

Where does your music come from?

We have two state-of-the-art recording studios, located in Los Angeles and Nashville. In addition, we work with talented composers, musicians and producers around the globe to source a wide variety of quality releases that comprise our signature repertoire.

Is Warner Chappell Production Music a royalty-free library?

No, we are not a royalty-free library.

Is Warner Chappell Production Music a buyout library?

No, Warner Chappell Production Music’s libraries are “per-use” libraries for license only. We also license tracks or libraries on a yearly or multi-year basis.

I have a project I’m working on, but don’t know what music to use. Can Warner Chappell Production Music help?

Our Directors of Licensing and Music Services team are happy to assist with track and playlist suggestions, licensing options and technical support for our website. Contact us!

I can’t find the right music for my project; can Warner Chappell Production Music compose a track for me?

Absolutely. Based on your specific creative needs, we compose and record demos for your review -- including to picture -- then proceed to the final production stage once demos are approved. You can be as involved as you would like every step of the way. Typically, turn-around time is quick and we are able to accommodate a wide variety of budgets. Please visit our Custom Music tab for more info.

Does Warner Chappell Production Music professionally master its tracks?

Since we pride ourselves on the highest audio quality, we professionally master all of our tracks.

Do you accept new composers?

Yes, we consider composer submissions from around the world via our website -- including composers looking for library commission projects and composers offering new releases for inclusion in our catalogs. NOTE: We only accept emails with a link to your music: Please do not attach music files to your emails. You may send an email to submissions@warnerchappellpm.com. Our producers listen to all submissions and will contact you if we’d like to learn more about you and your work.

How Does Production Music Work?

What is Production Music?

Production Music is pre-existing music created specifically for use in all media formats including television, film, radio, video games, news broadcasts and online. Production music covers a vast amount of genres, styles and structures -- including vocal songs, sound design, orchestral and era-specific -- and can be easily cleared and licensed for a variety of uses. Because use is non-exclusive, production music is generally a less expensive option than custom music and tracks can be licensed for immediate placement.

What is News Music?

News Music Packages are custom, market-exclusive music used by local television stations around the world to sonically brand their News Operations. Our News Music team, headquartered in Nashville, are longtime leaders in creating News Music Packages for use around the world. Please visit the News tab to learn more about our award-winning News Music.

What is Custom Music?

Custom Music is original music newly created for a specific project -- from in-show score and main titles for streaming and broadcast use to radio promos, video games and network ID’s. Our services include custom sound design, cover arrangements and re-mixes of existing tracks as well. Please visit our Custom Music tab to learn more.