[ { "question": "I would like to record one of your songs. What's my next step?", "answer": "It's simple. Just fill out our License Request Form or call/text us. We are here to help!

Just to describe the steps of the licensing process...

Step 1: We receive your licensing request.
(This happens by you contacting us, either from filling out the License Request Form or by you calling/texting us. We will then create the appropriate license agreements and send them to you for you to review.)

Step 2: Sign and return the agreements with payment.
(After you have reviewed and agree to the terms of the licensing agreement, please sign the forms in the appropriate places, and return them to us along with the proper payment.)

Step 3: The license is issued.
(Once we receive the signed forms and payment, we will countersign and send a copy of the completed agreement to you. At this point, the license is in full effect, and you are free to use the song as described in the terms of the licensing agreement.)" }, { "question": "How long does the licensing process take?", "answer": "Once your license request is submitted, our publishing coordinator will review your request and follow up with you, typically within 24-48 business hours. It is important that you provide valid contact information with your request so that we can reach out if we need to resolve or answer any questions. (Don't worry...we won't give or sell your phone number to the vinyl siding people.)

Once we have all of the information we need to create the appropriate licensing agreements, we will draw them up and send them to you, which usually happens within 24 hours. At this point, the ball is in your court (as the expression goes). Once we receive the agreements back along with full payment, we will finalize the licenses and send them back to you. Typically this will happen within 24-48 business hours of receipt.

We treat all license requests with an urgency, but should a circumstance arise where the process needs to be expedited, just call us. We will do our best to accommodate." }, { "question": "What is a mechanical license?", "answer": "A mechanical license is a legal agreement that gives an artist or performer the right to reproduce and distribute copyrighted musical compositions (songs) in a recorded format. Today, that distribution usually happens by manufacturing CDs or USB flash drives and through digital downloads." }, { "question": "What is a master use license?", "answer": "A master use license is a legal agreement that grants the rights for an entity to use and distribute a specific version of a recording on another project. At 221st Street Publishing, this license is most often issued when someone wants to use one of our performance soundtracks to make a recording or during a performance." }, { "question": "What is the difference between a mechanical and master use license, and which one do I need?", "answer": "The mechanical license is for the right to use a composition (song) in your project. The monies paid for this license are often referred to as the songwriter's royalty. The master use license is for the right to use someone else's recording in your project. This is often thought of as leasing a soundtrack.

This is how it works...Please note: securing a master use license does NOT replace or satisfy the need for a mechanical license.

*Songs and arrangements that are in the public domain typically do not need a mechanical license." }, { "question": "Will there always be a need for both a master use license and a mechanical license?", "answer": "No. Although they are often needed together, each circumstance is different.

Examples:" }, { "question": "I'm not charging for the CD. Do I still need a license?", "answer": "There's a LOT of misinformation out there regarding this question, so let's clear things up.

The correct answer is YES, you need a license. There are NO provisions in the copyright laws that say you don't need to pay songwriter royalties if you don't charge for your CDs. If you use and distribute someone else's intellectual property, the author is due royalties for their composition's use, and you should go through their publisher to handle that.

Now, if you're needing a few extra copies for genuine promotion of your band or for a special event where you're giving back to the community, you can always ask the publisher to tack on a special allowance along with your other PAID licenses as an act of good will. It is always at the publisher's discretion, but you might find favor with them, if your cause is sincere and not just looking for a deal. Just a word of advice: I would encourage you not to abuse their kindness, and don't get upset if they don't accommodate. After all, the law says: if you use it, you pay for it." }, { "question": "Can’t I just change the song and make it my own?", "answer": "This is another area where there is a lot of misinformation. Basically, you can’t change three words and call the song yours. Per the compulsory license provisions of the US copyright law, you cannot change the basic melody, lyrics, or fundamental character of the composition without the publisher’s written permission. Also, any changes made are not subject to protection as a derivative work, except with the publisher’s written permission. I’m not attempting to offer legal advice here, but what I can tell you is that using someone else’s intellectual property without paying for it is stealing. The penalties for stealing are severe!" }, { "question": "Wait! Can 221st Street Publishing legally issue licenses for songs that they do not own the publishing rights for?", "answer": "This is a bit of a trick question.

If we are talking about mechanical licenses, the answer is no, absolutely not. (We are only allowed to issue mechanical licenses for the songs that we control the copyrights of. Also, if multiple publishers are involved in a composition, we are only able to issue a license for the percentage that we control.)

Now, if we are talking about master use licenses, we are legally and ethically allowed to license our works. This means that we can create and license performance soundtracks for songs that we do not own the publishing rights for, and you can use these tracks in your performances and recordings—provided that proper licenses (including mechanical) for these compositions are secured in their appropriate fashion." }, { "question": "Why should I go through 221st Street Publishing to secure a mechanical license for a song instead of someone else?", "answer": "You can certainly use a licensing intermediary to complete the licensing process, but all you’re doing is paying them to be a middle man. They will still go through us to license our works, as we are the rights holder for the songs in our catalog. When you go through us directly, we do not charge any additional processing fees or licensing fees beyond the cost of the royalties that are due us (as long as a low minimum amount is met). Even though we have a minimum amount, going through us is still usually noticeably less than the amount you will pay by going through an intermediary. You might as well go directly to the source. Plus, we make the process easy!" }, { "question": "Can I get the soundtrack in a different key than the original?", "answer": "We have the ability to change the key of some soundtracks, although there are some limitations. Please contact us, and we can discuss your specific needs." }, { "question": "I don’t need all of the soundtracks from the whole project. Can I just get one soundtrack?", "answer": "Yep! Just contact us and tell us what you need. We’re here to help!" }, { "question": "I bought a soundtrack off your website. What does that allow me to do? Can I record with it?", "answer": "First off, THANK YOU for your purchase! Your trust and support is impacting a lot of people, and it enables numerous others to continue creating new songs and spread the gospel message throughout the world.

To answer the question, soundtracks purchased on our site can be used for live, unstreamed performances only. Basically, what you’re doing is securing a master use license to use the soundtracks during live, unstreamed performances. If you are wanting to use one of our soundtracks for recording your own version or if you will be performing the song in a situation that will be streamed online, there are additional licenses that are needed. Not to worry though…we make the process easy, and our rates are very reasonable. Just fill out our online licensing request form or call us." } ]