LICENSES VS EXCLUSIVE BEATS
Find the best option, licenses vs exclusive beats. Choose which type of contract best suits your needs
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Throughout more than 20 years in the world of music, I have had the pleasure of working with many artists, some starting their musical career and others with a long career and recognition. Many of them have been involved in the war of licenses vs. exclusive beats, almost always because they did not fully understand how licenses work. I hope to help you to be clear about what is best for you.
(If you are not familiar with the types of licenses when buying beats, I recommend you to read the guide I prepared in this other article by clicking here).
Reasons why you don’t need an exclusive license
During my career as a music producer I have met artists who had been in music for a short time, they were starting a path that is not easy, where you have to invest a lot of time, work and money to get at least some visibility. That’s why I was surprised to see that these artists were buying both exclusive beats and licenses for several reasons, I assure you that I don’t want to discourage or underestimate you, I just want to help you to see your current situation and why you should buy licenses of beats. If you are in the following situation, buy beat licenses rather than exclusive beats…
- You have few followers in your social networks (less than 20,000 adding Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…etc.).
- You have few views or plays on platforms such as Youtube, Apple Music, Spotify…etc.
- You have not signed with any label.
- You have not released an album.
The eternal war of licenses vs exclusive beats is a thing of the past. You don’t have to feel bad about being at any of these points, this just has to motivate you to try to achieve your goals, no one said the path was easy. Now more than ever it’s time to work and publish music, and this is one of the points in favor of buying licenses.
Benefits of acquiring licenses before exclusive beats
- You will spend less money and you will be able to buy more beats, publishing more music.
- You can buy licenses more adjusted to your needs, number of streams, views… etc.
- You can invest more money in promo, google ads, facebook ads…etc.
- In most cases you will be able to upgrade a license that exceeds the limit.
As you can see, there are many good things about buying non-exclusive licenses, you are at a point where you need to release music and not stop doing it. For your fan base to grow steadily you need to release a song at least every 2 months, better if you do it every 6 weeks. Spending less when buying the beat allows you to invest in a studio where you can record with professional quality, mixing and mastering.
If you invest some money in promo like Google ads, you will get a little bit faster too, something that is much more complicated if you are buying exclusive beats at $500 or $600.
Let me give you an example:
Imagine you buy an exclusive beat at $500. If you have a base of 10,000 followers, it’s normal that when you publish the song only 100 or even less will buy it. If your price is $1 for each sale, you will have made $100 and you will have a loss of $400 at best.
But imagine you buy a license for $50, by selling your song to 100 people you are already making $50. You already have the money to at least buy another license and go for the next song. We are not counting the profits from streams and plays, but in your case, the important thing is to grow without having long waiting periods until you get the money to buy another instrumental.
If you have money to invest in your music, don’t buy the best licenses thinking that you are going to create the hit of the summer, measure your steps well and invest in promotion, licenses, good recordings, mixing and mastering (sound quality is a very important factor to keep listening to your track or move on to the next one).
Licensing vs. exclusive beats. The best alternative
Unlimited licenses are usually priced between $150 and $300 on almost any website. They have no limits on streams, views, number of uses, sales numbers… etc. They are a very good option if we don’t want to worry about if we will ever make better numbers.
There are only 3 differences with exclusive licenses:
- They have an expiration date, usually 3 to 5 years.
- The beat is still for sale (until it is sold exclusive).
- The publishing rights are 50/50 and in the exclusives it is usually 75/25 in favor of the artist.
These 3 points do not affect you in your current situation, it affects more to artists signed by a label, or with other more powerful numbers on music platforms. So my personal opinion and not because I am the one selling the instrumental, buy the most expensive licenses you can afford, when you have a bigger fan base and more powerful numbers, go for exclusive beats.
Exclusive licenses or beats but there is more
In malakkor.com you have surely seen that all my licenses are unlimited, yes, you read that right. The truth is that my mind is quite restless and I am always thinking how to help artists more. So one day I said, I remove all the limits, so my clients will have less worries and so I did.
Now it’s easier to make your decision, licenses vs. exclusive beats? Choose unlimited licenses. All with no limits on streams, sales or expiration dates, just choose what you need and where you want to publish your song or project. Below you can see my licenses in a very easy table.
When You Really Need Exclusive Beats
When it comes to music production, securing the right beats can make all the difference in the world. For many artists, the decision to purchase exclusive beats is a crucial one. While non-exclusive beats may seem like an affordable option, exclusive beats offer a host of benefits that make them worth the investment. Let’s explore why buying exclusive beats can be a game-changer for your music career.
1. Unmatched Ownership and Rights
With exclusive beats, you gain complete control over the music, meaning you can use it in any way you want without restrictions. You can release your songs on all platforms, use them in commercials, movies, or even as part of a larger project without worrying about other artists using the same beat. This level of control gives you the peace of mind that your music is entirely yours.
In contrast, with non-exclusive beats, multiple artists could be using the same beat, and you may have to deal with legal issues or limitations on how you can use the track. Exclusive beats provide you with unique content, ensuring your music stands out.
2. Tailored to Your Vision
When you purchase exclusive beats, there’s often the opportunity to collaborate with the producer. Producers are usually open to tweaking the beat to suit your style, whether it’s adjusting the tempo, adding new elements, or even restructuring the track to fit your vision. This level of customization ensures that the beat resonates with your artistic direction, making it a perfect match for your sound.
Non-exclusive beats, on the other hand, are more rigid and may not offer the same opportunity for creative input. You’re essentially working with a pre-made product that may not fully align with your vision or the sound you’re trying to create.
3. Professionalism and Quality
Exclusive beats are typically of a higher quality, as producers often put more effort into creating and refining them for an individual artist. These beats are crafted with the intention of being part of a unique project, which often leads to a more polished and professional sound. This can significantly improve the overall production value of your music.
Moreover, working with exclusive beats allows you to establish a professional relationship with the producer, which can lead to future collaborations, networking opportunities, and ongoing support for your music career.
4. Brand Identity and Recognition
Using exclusive beats helps in building a strong and unique brand identity. When you own the rights to a track, it becomes part of your artistic signature. Your audience will associate specific beats with your style and sound, helping you to carve out a niche in the music industry. Exclusivity adds to your artist persona and makes your work stand out among the sea of other artists who may be using the same commercially available beats.
Furthermore, because your beats are unique, they can help you create a distinct sound that is instantly recognizable, giving you an edge over competitors.
5. Investment in Your Career
Purchasing exclusive beats is an investment in your career. While they may come at a higher upfront cost compared to non-exclusive beats, exclusive beats offer long-term value. They provide you with tracks that will serve as the foundation of your music, helping to build a body of work that represents your artistic vision. With full rights and no worries about other artists using the same beat, you can confidently release your music knowing that it’s yours to keep.
In conclusion, exclusive beats offer a range of benefits, from ownership and creative control to professional quality and brand identity. If you’re serious about your music career and want to ensure that your work stands out, purchasing exclusive beats is the right choice. It’s a step toward building a unique, successful career in the music industry.