FAQ
Click on the question below to view the answer.
What do I do after I Download the Songs?
After you download the ZIP files on to your hard drive, unzip by double clicking the icon with your “left” mouse button and follow the instructions. Then copy the Music Soundtrack(s) .WAV files on to a thumb drive or burn them to a CD-ROM to bring to a recording studio or to use for Karaoke or contest/pageants. Be sure to check the contest/Pageant song format requirements.
How long does it normally take to complete the entire CD process?
The length of time to complete a CD project can vary. First you must learn the songs so that when you go into the studio to lay your vocal track that everything goes smoothly. Secondly, If you have not been in a studio before then it may take you a little longer to learn the process. The recording studio engineer should be able to prepare you prior to and during your recording session.
Since you are only recording and mixing your vocals to the prerecorded Music Track, this should only take 15 minutes per song. Once again this depends on how prepared you are. So you should expect about 4 weeks to finish the entire project: Graphics, Learning the songs, Recording you vocals, Mixing, Mastering, Pressing and delivery of your Retail Ready CD’s.
Since I don’t know your company, can I pay a deposit and the balance once I see some progress?
No, The only deposit option is for Graphic Design.
Will I have any input as to the finished graphics on my CD?
Yes, you will communicate with our graphics dept on you CD cover and Tray Card layouts
Are the royalties paid in advance?
Yes, all royalties must be paid in advance and the proper license must be obtained
If I change the vocal arrangement on one of your songs, can I say arranged by me on the CD?
NO, you cannot change any part of the song and put your name on your CD as arranged by
Will I need to get a new mechanical license every time I put out a new CD project?
Yes, you will need to obtain a new “Mechanical License” each and every time you press CD’s after your initial order. This also applies to all other licensing options (Digital Rights, Ringtones, synchronization). All licenses are issued on a per project basis.
Can I put my vocals on 3 of your tracks then use them to pitch to record labels?
Yes you can. You must also properly give credit to each Music Publishing company and writers for all of your songs on your CD’s Insert or Tray Card.
Can I pay half down and not get the tracks until I pay the balance?
No, Due to our system, upon your license purchase you will be able to download all of your Music Track(s), Vocal Guide(s), Lyric Sheet(s), Soundtrack Lease Document(s) and Live Performance rights License . At the present time we do not have any type of layaway or payment plan. All purchase must be paid in full at the time of the license purchase(s).
Once I lease a song(s), is there a time limit for me to record?
Not really, but naturally it is advised to move forward on you Music Project. The sooner that you get your CD in front of you fans the quicker you can reap the benefits.
Can I lease 3 of your songs to put with 7 other songs for my CD project?
Yes, you can. We will provide performance rights and mechanical license and collect royalties for our songs but, you will be responsible for obtaining the proper licenses and pay any royalties due to the publishers for all other songs. If we are handling your CD project you will be required to provide all of the proper documents and licenses to our clearance department.
If I choose more than one song, will I get one mechanical license covering all of the songs?
No, Each song will be issued a separate license.
Do I have to get a new mechanical license every time I re-order CD’s?
Yes, each license that is issued and the amount of royalties that is paid is based on the number of CD’s pressed each time. So, therefore a new license must be issued and royalties must be prepaid each time you re-order CD’s.
If I get a “record deal” can I transfer my mechanical license to them?
No, a Mechanical License is issued for the CD’s project at the time you selected your songs and ordered your CD’s. If you get a record deal a new Mechanical License will be issued for each song for that Music Project with the Record Label.
Can I change the lyrics to your songs?
You may change the gender from He to She or vice versa that is contained in the Lyrics. You may not rewrite the song and copyright it with out the Music Publisher and Original Songwriters permission.
Can I re-record your songs?
Yes, after you have purchased a lifetime soundtrack lease/Mechanical License (1,000 CD Pressings) from ShopOriginalSongs.com you can re-record the songs. All future CD pressings requires a new mechanical license to be issued.
Is it mandatory for me to even get a mechanical license?
Yes, if you are going to press physical CD’s. If you are just going to have the songs available for downloads then you must obtain a “Digital Rights” License. However you are going to use the song(s) you must obtain a license. Our Music Publishing companies will be able to assist you in determining the proper license that will be required.
Can I let other singers use my tracks?
No. That will be considered unauthorized use in violation of your lease agreement and would be copyright infringement. All songs are copyrighted and the person using the Music Track must obtain the proper licenses. All users will be issued a “Music Track Lease” which only allows only that person named in the license to use the prerecorded music track. If someone is interested in using one our Music Tracks they must visit our website and purchase a Lease, obtain the proper license and prepay all royalties.
NOTICE: All songs are copyrighted by Dazian Music Publishing (BMI), Hit On My Hands Publishing (ASCAP) and their music publishing affiliates. Any unauthorized use of ShopOriginalSongs.com’s Music Sound Tracks is prohibited by Federal Copyright Laws. Unlawful use will constitute copyright infringement and is punishable by imprisonment and a $150,000.00 fine per infringement.
Please report any violations to shoporiginalsongs@gmail.com
Do I select the recording studio to record my vocals?
Yes, It will be your responsibility to select a professional recording studio in your area. You will be required to submit all of the contact information to ShopOriginalSongs.com for the studio. The recording studio will be required to sign and return via mail or fax the “Use of Copyrighted Material Form” prior to your recording session.
Can I perform in public with your tracks once I lease them?
Yes, you will be able to perform at live shows such as Pageants, Bars, Nightclubs, Karaoke & Talent Contest. Any other type of usage with require written permission and/or License from out Music Publishing division.
Will you finance my lease purchase?
Sorry, we do not offer any finance options at this time.
How long have you been in business?
Each of our staff members have a range of 20 to 55 years of experience in the Music Publishing, Recording and Entertainment Industry.
What Are The Different Types Of Music Licensing?
Public Performance Royalties
The copyright owner of a song has the exclusive right to perform his song in public. Therefore, no one can play your song in public (such as in clubs, at live concerts, on the radio, and on television) unless you give them permission to do so and they pay you. Performing rights societies such as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI), and SESAC are responsible for issuing licenses to and collecting money from people who want to play your music. For example, every time your music is played on the radio, you are entitled to performance license money which ASCAP, BMI or SESAC collects for you if you belong to their organization. These organizations are involved only in the public performance aspect of the publishing industry are not traditional music publishers.
Mechanical Rights
To use a copyrighted work, one must usually obtain a license that is negotiated with the copyright owner. The Copyright Act provides for six major exceptions to the copyright monopoly that are known as compulsory licenses. These exceptions require the copyright owner to issue a license to someone else whether the owner wants to or not. The six exceptions relate to cable TV rebroadcast, PBS, jukeboxes, digital performance and distribution or records, and phonorecords of non-dramatic musical compositions.
The Copyright Act provides that once a song has been recorded and publicly distributed, a Compulsory Mechanical License is available to anyone else who wants to record and distribute the work in the U.S. upon the payment of licenses fees at the statutory “compulsory” rate set forth in the Act (the current statutory rate is about 9.1¢ per song). A mechanical license is the license issued by a publisher to a licensee (typically a record company or someone recording a cover song for their independent release) granting the licensee the right to record and release a specific composition at an agreed-upon fee, per unit manufactured and distributed. Mechanical licenses are available for audio-only recordings only if: (1) the song is a non-dramatic musical work, (2) that has been previously recorded, (3) the recording has been distributed publicly in phonorecords, and (4) the use of the recording will be in phonorecords only. Mechanical licenses do not apply to dramatic works, such as operas, film soundtracks, ballet scores and Broadway medleys. If these requirements are met, the mechanical license must be granted under the statute. Mechanical licenses can be obtained through the Harry Fox Agency (www.harryfox.com), which represents most U.S. publishers. Mechanical licenses can also be negotiated directly with the publisher or copyright owner.
Digital Rights
Digital licensing is the licensing of copyrighted musical compositions in digital configurations, including but not limited to, full downloads, limited-use downloads, on-demand streaming and CD burning. The Harry Fox Agency and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) reached an agreement that recognized the need to obtain mechanical licenses for digital music distribution. Significantly, this agreement provides a framework for the licensing of Internet-based music subscription services. To obtain a digital license, contact the Harry Fox Agency, the publisher or the copyright owner.
Print Rights
While public performance and mechanical royalties are the major sources of publishing revenue, printed music can be lucrative as well. A songwriter receives publishing money from a print license any time sheet music of his song or a folio of a collection of his songs is sold. Money earned from print licenses is usually a few cents per copy printed. For example, the sheet music for “Send in the Clowns” has probably made Stephen Sondheim a lot of money from print licenses.
Synchronization Rights
A synchronization license (known in the industry as a “synch” license – ‘cause that sounds much cooler) is required any time a song accompanies a visual image. Motion picture and television companies and advertising agencies pay for the right to use songs in their movie soundtrack, show or commercial. The amount of money for a synch license varies widely. Record companies usually demand a free license to use a song in a video while a feature song for a movie soundtrack from an established artist can exceed $100,000. Each license will generate a different fee, as there is no set rate in the Copyright Act for synch licenses. To obtain a synch license, contact the publisher or copyright owner. Publisher information can be obtained from ASCAP, BMI, SESAC or the U.S. Copyright Office.
What Is A License?
A License is a legal document issued by the copyright holder/publishing company that grants you permission and specific rights on how you can use the copyright musical composition (Song).
Why Do I Need A License?
All songs are protected by Federal Copyright Laws which allows the Copyright holder grant licenses to interested parties that wish to use their copyrighted material. These Licenses are normally issued through a Music Publishing company that handles the administration duties and manages the copyright on behalf of the Songwriter (Copyright holder).
To prevent Copyright infringements lawsuits and extensive fines, It is very important that you obtain the proper type of license and pay royalties for each song you use in your CD Music Project.
How Do I Start?
Just browse through our “Shop For Songs” section of our website and listen to all of the songs that fits the music genre that you sing. Decide on how many songs you want to include in your Music Project. Then purchase a “Master Track License” for each music track you wish to include in your CD project.
What is a leased Track?
A leased track is simply, a Music Soundtrack recording that you lease for a fee and can use according to the terms & conditions of Lease/license provided by the lessor (owner) of the the Music Soundtrack. You do not own the track.
All songs from ShopOriginalSongs.com are leased on a lifetime basis.
