Copywrited/Non-Copywrited music?

[Jim2312]

What does eveyone use for music in the background of slide shows? I do not want to get into trouble by using the downloaded MP3 as I hop to be able to sell the end product.

Is there anyplace I can buy/download noncopywrited music?

Thanks,

Jim

[housepig]

will you get in to trouble? maybe. depends on if the artist or someone from the publishing company finds out you bootlegged the music.

are there resources for copyright-free background music? yes. Are they free? Maybe somewhere.

I was just at MicroCenter computer store, and on their clearance shelf they had a cd of background music files for $4. But in some cases you get what you pay for - royalty-free music is sold by tons of companies, but it's not cheap - since they aren't seeing royalties from it, they're going to hit you up front for the money.

So the discount racks at the computer store, and also your local music equipment dealer (Guitar Center, for example).

Another avenue to check out is to find a copy of software like Acid from Sonic Foundry - it's really easy to use, it includes basic instrument loops to get you started, and if you write your own background music with it, you don't have to worry about paying someone else.

If you go that route, go to your local bookstore and look for the magazines Future Music or Computer Music - they are British mags that usually come with a cd-rom filled with freeware and demoware, plus they usually throw down some nice loops and musical samples for you to use in creating music. They are around $10-13 but very worth it.

[mp3superfreak]

If you are making slideshows for personal use, I don't think any record company in the world would come after you for that. However....

If you are making slideshows for paying clients, you'd better get permission to use the music. Trust me, this is NOT EASY, especially if you want to use popular music. I was given the run around for weeks, then I decided to take another approach...

I bought some "Royalty Free" music from Gary Lamb. He has samples on his website, so you can listen and only buy the CDs you want. I bought 3cds for $99 (sounds like a lot, but you can use them as much as you wish). His music is best for wedding/sentimental/slow use. There are only a few "upbeat" tracks.

There are quite a few other outfits online selling RF music. Try a google search and you'll find hundreds of places.

Good luck.

[secretagent]

i have tons of original free music you can use. let me know what type you want.