Whether you’re a music artist, singer, or a live stage performer, at some point you will find yourself in need of musical instrumentals. Even the big-name musicians, sometimes they need to record certain songs or videos on a small budget in quick time. According to Jesse Neo, owner of Gemtracks, during such a situation, purchasing music beats can be the solution to all the problems. Due to the latest technology advancements, you no longer have to hassle and look for audio music producers to produce beats for you. Today, there are numerous websites where you can purchase classic, rock, RnB, and even rap beats from the comfort of your room. With your beats, you can then record over them in your home studio.
But then again, you should know if you’re free to use those instrumentals and beats without limitations whenever you want, or can the producer come and claim ownership, copyright, and get you in trouble?
Here comes the main point of this article. Here are nine reasons why every musician should purchase royalty-free beats.
1. You’re not a specialist music producer
Music production involves a lot more than just having an amazing voice and knowing to play musical instruments. Even though this isn’t rocket science, it is still an art that needs practice, passion, and mastering. Most musicians lack music production skills, which is why they often consider purchasing musical beats, especially royalty-free beats. Alternatively, hiring a music producer online is another viable option.
2. High-quality is key
Purchasing music beats is a good thing in itself. However, purchasing royalty-free beats can be even better. In the world of music, there are many important parameters and factors that you simply cannot afford to mess with. Royalty-free beats are available on several websites, including used ones. When purchasing beats from other talented producers, you’re obviously looking for catchy and perhaps unique beats that would be great for your music.
3. They can save you a lot of money
Whether you’re a singer, music producer, singer, or hype man, the music industry can be very demanding at times. You’ll need to have enough money to look, act, play, and perform the part, In simpler words, the life of a musician or a celebrity is more demanding than what others expect it to be. By purchasing royalty-free beats, you’ll be able to cut multiple production and post-production costs.
4. Avoid any potential copyright suits
This is one of the most significant reasons why you should seek royalty-free beats. Basically, royalty-free means that once purchased, you can use these beats however you want as long as you want without having to compensate the producer of the beats for the same use. In simpler words, the creator of those beats doesn’t have the right to claim any earnings or royalties from your gains when using the same beats.
5. You can claim a lien on such beats
In many cases, the royalty beats don’t require just a one-time payment and the instrumentals are given to you forever. This means you can give them to a third-party and still benefit from it, depending on your agreement with the originator. You can reach agreements that allow you the privilege to claim royalties if the beats you’ve purchased are used elsewhere.
6. Protect your online accounts
Most musicians have to sacrifice their money and time because they know that they can make up for it when they receive royalties on their beats. If you purchase beats from producers and you deny those producers these payments, it may lead to serious consequences. For example, music streaming websites like Spotify, YouTube, etc. have strict policies that protect copyrighted material. These sites can delete your account, temporarily ban it, or even impose financial penalties if you violate these policies multiple times. In this case, violating policies means making use of copyrighted beats without taking the producer’s permission.
Purchasing royalty-free beats will protect your online accounts because the producers won’t have the rights to copyright-strike you. Even more importantly, you’ll have the permission to use those beats without having to pay royalties for them.
7. Avoid any court cases
Not many people remember this but an Egyptian music producer sued Timbaland and Jay Z for using a flute note in their 1999 hit single called ‘Big Pimpin’. That Egyptian producer had produced those tunes in 1957. Timbaland had to pay $100,000 to EMI Music Arabia for using those beats, but he didn’t seek permission from the family to use them. Many similar court cases exist today. The easiest way to avoid such cases is to use royalty-free beats. Always remember, everyone will want a piece of your money if you’re successful. For example, producers might even try to sue you after you’ve paid the recording company for royalties. In contrast, purchasing royalty-free beats will mean that no one has the right to sue you for royalties as there are no royalties attached to those beats.
8. Seeking permission can be taxing
From whom should you seek permission when purchasing beats that have royalties attached to them? Is there a way to know if the person who claims to own the beats is actually the one who deserves the royalties? How to determine the rights of the co-producers, the family members, and the recording company to these royalties? The harsh truth is that you can never do so conclusively. This is especially true when some producers with weak claims to these royalties fight for them because they’re after your money.
In contrast, royalty-free beats will be free of such shenanigans. You won’t have to do any research about people’s claims to such royalties because there aren’t any royalties that can be claimed.
9. Wisely spend your time
The music industry is a fulfilling career as it’ll help you live your wildest dreams to the fullest extent. You should spend as much time as possible making beautiful music and having fun. Unfortunately, purchasing beats with royalties attached to them might impede your progress. More specifically, you might have to spend time looking for people who could potentially own the rights to those beats. Then you’ll have to negotiate and come to mutually beneficial contracts with the people you’ve identified as the copyright owners. All that hassle can be avoided and all this time can be saved by simply using royalty-free beats. I’ll also be easier for you when looking for a playlist submission to release your songs.
