How to sell beats: Should I copyright my beats

[@jasonwith2ss568]

1)If they remade the track that is still a violation of intellectual property rights. This reason alone is why you should copyright your track(s). If someone copies a melody you created, any "evidence" outside of a copyright may not hold up in court. What if Timbaland or some other big name/or even a no name producer hears your beat online and remakes it using your melody? You hear a song on the radio that sounds just like yours. How are you going to defend that besides a copyright? 2)The owner(s) of the copyright are the only ones who can collect publishing through performance rights organizations such as ASCAP, BMI, etc. which leads to my next point.... 3)You can allow an artist exclusive rights to a track without selling ownership to where you cannot make any passive income. Therefore, it doesn't matter if you've given the artist access to the stems. The only way this would hurt you is if you did not copyright the track. It really boils down to the agreement between you and the artist about how they are allowed to use the track. This is where production agreements come in. I don't think the music industry has changed that much. You still want to protect yourself from getting fucked by the music industry who is out to f@*k anybody who will allow them. I say its better to have a copyright and not need it, then to need a copyright and not have it.

[@lythalmind]

+Jasson Turner I agree

[@official88beats]

Remaking a melody with altering sounds is perfectly legal. You cannot copyright a sound structure it's very complicated. If it's obvious and the producer knows, they will settle with you. Good example: Kanye west took a chorus from a sound click producer, no copyrights were involved and he still won. That producer was Main Event West, "Lamborghini mercy, your chick she's so thirst, I'm in my 2 seat lambo with yo bitch she tryin to jerk me". Again, no copyrights settled out of court. You learn the system by living in it, I can tell immediately who here has experience selling and who doesn't.

[@bEASToUTtHEbOX]

Ok...I don't have experience selling beats though I have 2 placements 1.Gunz n Onez and the 1. The Gangz All Here which was on Heltah Skeltah's Magnum Force album...and on The Wu-Chroniclez CD....and as a featured artist "Aww Shit" featuring Smoke on the Kelis Was Here album.....as well as singles released internationally as a member of the Ruph Headz as producer and artist....but ok dude

[@antoniogriffin7135]

Agreed. (here in the back row listening)

[@agthaog1986]

i see what u mean...seems 2 be like there should always be various forms of reference to that exact beat/project. no copyright he musta had his eye on that project 4 a while (the original holder)

[@official88beats]

Keep in mind, 98% of producers online NEVER sell enough to worry about legal battles. They are rare, but keeping as many backup docs on hand will help you stay prepared. Always speak to a legal attorney for reassurance!

[@kellcoleStyleEnt]

hey man you got a e mail

[@keepitlo00]

Great info dude. this really changed my way of thinking.

[@whatwethinktv2238]

your amazing

[@Akreem]

I learn from my mistakes , try to tag you're beats no matter who u send it too , don't send track out and try to record you're session as video file and save all midi files . This business is is a dog business .

[@tonezbeatz]

literally answering all unanswered questions in my head. awesome vid. keep em coming brother

[@PtylerBeats]

Tonez Beatz not awesome lol he’s telling you how to lose your money and your beats. You won’t win a case in court without copyright. Simple as that. You can try to prove me wrong. When someone steals your beat and calls your bluff, you’ll be wasting a ton of money and you’ll ultimately lose. These lawyers aren’t stupid. They don’t need the raw daw file to win. Anyone can fake a date lol email dates aren’t secure, and even KZbin time stamps are a secure form of evidence in court. You NEED a copyright for this legal stuff.

[@toneproduction4373]

yo whats going on 88beats this cloud king tone .....this video might be from 2014 but alone it answered so many question & gave so many answers & tip that its crazy this video honestly should be viral like a million views or more as far as the producing community goes like really good stuff bro keep it up

[@dan-othahitmaker4970]

I'm going through this process right now, but even if they do get the trackouts, you still have the project files and the Project Bones to prove you are the owner.

[@joshduran3084]

IDK what your talking about but in most cases you wont win unless you have that copy right especially if they have a good lawyer. Their is tons of similar issues that have gone wrong because of not registering their product with the goverment. Honestly what i do is make a bunch of songs and then upload them once for 40 dollars for my copyright. It takes a while and yes you need patience but its better than loosing your work and having to go through the motions of what if i loose what if they dont believe me. fuck that i rather have peace of mind and register my product

[@Marvelousbmusic]

hey bro how long does it take to copyright your stuff?

[@D0olzBeatz]

Marvelous B Music I'd like to know that as well.

[@pyoureent1957]

It takes less than 30 mins to complete the registration...it's actually $55 dollars...I just did it 2wks ago. I'm not sure of the track limit...I registered 26 tracks. Once you enter in all the titles of your tracks, complete the registration, pay the fee, and then you will be redirected to the upload screen.

[@JayDeePLUS-BEATZ]

This is kinda Flawed. When you sell exclusive rights, you're selling the right for a party to record and PERFORM with producer's music ( Performing Rights ). The Producer still keeps 100% Composition rights which earns 8 points per unite sold, which could be between 2 - 8% ROYALTY. You do not sell 100% of your beat, if you do, you are selling your rights to Royalties for that 1 buy out price. When you sale exclusive rights to your beat after you have it copy written, You also are Recouping registration fees from that purchase. It is ALWAYS smart to protect your music thru the United States Copy Write Services. If go to court against a Major Company ( Such as a Movie, TV, or Commerical company ) Their lawyers are trained to EAT YOU ALIVE! PROTECT YOUR SELFS!

[@official88beats]

This is "royalty free" in the video. Royalty free music is 200% ownership granted to the one who purchased the beat. Not split.

[@PtylerBeats]

88Beats 200%? 😂 Jaydee Plus is right. You need to copyright. What you’re talking about in the vid is “poor mans copyright,” and that has never won a court case. You’re screwing these kids over

[@Derrell23able]

Man you saved me alot of time, stress, and money.. I appreciate you alot for making this video.

[@steeledwaddersmusic]

Do not get it twisted fellow musicians.. Sorry 88 but if your music is not registered, yes that means copyrighted you cannot sue or recoup any infringement. This does not mean mailing to yourself. Ask yourself this question. If you think your work is good isn't it worth the 35 dollars to protect it? We worry about someone stealing it but not enough to ensure compensation if it happens. Learn all you can about the music business because that's what it is. A business. In fact, Your business. If you want to look for an easy or cheap way out maybe you are not very serious about your craft. If you think of your art as a "poor man's" ...What will others think? I am a degreed Music Technology Major and I would not steer you wrong. Read books, take college courses, find a mentor or whatever. Learn the music business for it can be ruthless for those unaware.

[@official88beats]

Steeled Wadders not true!! You are wrong!!! Access claims in courts; I personally know someone who had no legal documents, his track was used on a movie and he pursued them, he was able to show the court that he had the song uploaded on soundclick and was SELLING leasing rights for over 2 years. They were able to find the paypal transaction of the artist who sent it to warner bros. and at this point found the guy who lied in transactions proving he did not create the song! Now, is this the best way to fight? Not at all! And I do not suggest, the simple answer is YES YOU CAN FIGHT!! So, you are wrong here and I am only speaking from experience of myself and those around me. Everyone should consult with a music attorney.

[@walkertonthomas8904]

I am new to this business & one day I hope to sell beats. I got burned before in 1981/82, if I was not a strong person then I would of jumped off a high building. I don't care what anyone says for the only way is to pay & get protected whatever the means. This business is a PIMP, but, saying that, we are the musical prostitutes, so we need to have the best PROTECTIONS available!! Sorry for being blunt, but you pay for what you get in this world & I agree with the Major. I also like where 88Beats is coming from & love his video's!!

[@d2197v]

The explanation is freaken awesome and simplistic. Thanks for posting. Props

[@widebandrecords902]

Great video. All other comments should be just saying thank you instead of asking you more questions, no track outs and definitely no wav file track outs neither. Password zip archives of master files or keep all within a vhd and zipped also for further protection and easy migration if system dies is to have it all contained within a virtual box situation which your favourite OS can be installed to the vhd too which should have been partitioned in the first place. For all who read this but mostly understood what i wrote your welcome in advance!!

[@Ogtruthzz]

i understand where you're coming from with not copywriting anything however, i've noticed some people will use beats that were leased, & copyright the WHOLE SONG for themselves. thus, that takes away from your original ownership (in terms of the government knowing it's yours)

[@EdwardPizzo]

been fighting a similar situation for a year now with video proof of my work 5 years before some hack stole my work off of youtube and than copyrighted it and has been selling it as his work. i created it it in 2011 and used it in my videos he stole it in may of 2015 and im the bad guy we have no rights register your music.

[@walkertonthomas8904]

88Beats your the Bomb!! I have watched this video before but forgot what you said. Just did a re watch as I have been busting my brains on this topic. You have just refreshed my mind & answered the question for me. Give thanks Sir.

[@jay87prod]

I really appreciate these videos man. They've been a lot of help to get me started on selling my beats.

[@JMKInstrumentals]

Tracks out is nothing compared to the project file as you can proof synths etc there.

[@agthaog1986]

exactly, i use FL im not even exactly sure ho 2 get all the track-outs. liek dont i haev 2 re-record it say if its on a synth or something

[@benbarber2478]

That answered a bunch of questions I had, man. Thanks for making this. Nice cat by the way.

[@NickMiti]

Selling exclusives DOESN'T mean you sell your copyrights. Selling exclusives means you take that beat down from the online store and can no longer sell the beat from that point on. The producer always owns the copyright to their beat, the artists owns the copyright to the song they create with the beat. Copyrighting your music helps your chances in court. Copyrighting gives you the power to sue.

[@official88beats]

Nick Miti Okay lets go over two things. 1. I sell and offer full transfer of rights -- Exclusives -- meaning it is exclusively a deal with that 1 clients. 2. I sell "Unlimited commercial" rights meaning I keep 50% ascap or 100% bmi rights and they get the other split. I get royalties and make money down the line. There is no rules, you make your own. The greatest thing that you will learn about music is you set your own laws with contracts, once signed it is a legal binding agreement. Hopefully you understand the difference, everyone does things differently. Always ask for a lot of money on an exclusive in my case, but do your research if a signed artist is interested work out a split deal with royalties.

[@ttimeb6032]

Nick Miti hey if an artist want to hear your beat and they ask you to send it to their email do you send it with a contract or can you just send it..... also with ASCAP and BMI do you have to let them know every beat you sell in order to get royalties

[@JedOfficial]

But it doesn't really work like that. You are automatically granted Copyrights to your work irregardless if you are in work process or you have the finished product. It's just a matter of proving that it's yours which you already explained in your video. In this case, if you're a producer you can easily show your session file & date of creation to prove it's yours. Simple as that. You mentioned not to give out your stems, and I completely agree however even if that occurs, session files are easier to manipulate sounds/instruments than if they were given out as WAV/MP3 files. Stems can't be altered without having to change sample rate, pitch, fade, compress etc...which means it loses it's final quality in comparison to the session file & yes it's noticeable. If it didn't work like that then you see a lot of famous artists stealing from mediocre producers without punishment.

[@PtylerBeats]

Jed Official You are partially correct. You do have an automatic copyright IF you make your art into a tangible object. But, tat does not mean you can go to court without a copyright. www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html scroll to the fifth paragraph and read that. You're half right and half wrong. If you want to press charges on someone, you have to go to the government copyright website, pay a fee, and get that thing official first. If not you’re going to end up broke with your beat stolen.

[@illCapBeats]

Maybe you can do a video about signing up with a PRO and why. Just barely started getting into all that and still have quite a few questions. Great videos by the way. Thanks!

[@official88beats]

illCapBeats Got the pro / VIP membership going! Check the description!

[@HolderXVIII]

In your website...If you have text somewhere saying something like "Not for resale outside of leasing rights" and in your lease you need to include that the beat alone can not be bought and then sold again as the beat itself. Like, Loopmasters has rights. If you were to buy a sample pack and then sell one of the Hi Hats, you would legally be in trouble based off the text in the website alone. "Not for resale outside of leasing rights. Fines and Penalties will apply. All rights and artwork belong to ________ and any party associated with ________, unless authorized under lease."

[@stasgershkovich360]

I think you'll have to split what he says here, don't copyright the beats that you don't give the track outs to them, but if you do give someone your track with track outs make sure you do copyright that specific track. (Obviously not speaking of the exclusive licence sale here, just the lease) Tnx for the Vid man, Good info :)

[@enjoiiiThis]

Thanks for all these man! its great for us newcomers!

[@FRANKRICECOLD209]

you right click on the DAW file and get info and it tells you all the info and all the metadata and all that stuff

[@Weston_Guidero]

The dating thing doesn't do anything. Even if you metatag. There are many ways people can alter it. I had a music business class at berklee and asked the same exact question haha. Just a heads up. (Not trying to sound hostile, text can make a false tone of voice)

[@eman0828]

Making beats doesn't make you a Producer. It just makes you a track maker. One reason why alot of Beat Makers get fucked over handing out tracks instead working with the artist and also have to deal with copyright issues. I'm a real Producer as I don't just make beats. I'm what you call a Songwriter/Producer. I generally don't send beats off to people as I always work directly with the artist in the studio overseeing the vision and direction of production and recording of Master Recordings. I give my input throughout the entire production process, coaching the artist, vocal production and arrangement. A Producer have a significant impact on the out come of how the record is going to sound. A Beat Maker is just some one that makes beats and that's it. They are basically the same thing as a Songwriter or Composer hint the reason they get Publishing royalties as they are Co-Writers that get songwriting credits. Producer's on the other hand produce entire completed songs known as the Master Recording aka the (Masters) with vocals, beat, and everything mixed and arranged. Scott Storch is also the same way as he don't send beats out to people since he's a real Record Producer and and not just a track maker. He wears both hats as a Producer and Writer. *In terms of working with the artist or vocalist, you know its important to come back and stay through with that, if you're going to call yourself a producer on a track. You know, you don't want to be just a track maker. To be a Producer, you wanna follow through and you know, push the artist and get the best record possible because its only going to help you. A Real Producer sees the whole thing through and has input through the whole vision of the finished record, from you know, what the melody is going to be on top, you know you, at least collaborate with some body on that, have an input on that, you know, sit there behind the board, trying to get a good vocals out of somebody, you know, or at least monitor the situations. - Scott Storch"* [Source: New Interview With Scott Storch 2015 Beat Camp]

[@official88beats]

Eman 08 that is true, but most don’t know that or think about it. Plus my videos wouldn’t reach all these people as they dont use the term beat maker while searching for info. The proper term is also “composer”.

[@eman0828]

@@official88beats Yes Beat Makers are similar to a Film Composer with the exception of underscoring sheet music. Although the term Composer is primarily used in the Film industry since it relates to scoring music which a beat maker would rarely do unless they are some musician with a strong music theory background that reads sheet musical scores. The term Writer or Songwriter is more widely used in the music industry. A "Song" "Writer" in sense is a Composer that writes (instrumental music) or (lyrics) in a song format opposed to a Film Composer that generally does not compose music in a form of a song. That's why you see Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins or Bryan-Michael Cox reffer to themselfs as dual role Producer/Songwriter or simply Producer/Writer in interviews. You will always see the term Writer attached to thier job title. Yes it may confuse some people thinking that they are a Songwriter that write the (LYRICS) when really it's pertaining to (BEAT MAKING) as the "Co-Writer" since Beat Makers are considered Writers, in other words, "Track-writers". Most people wouldn't know the difference and also just assume their "Producer" job title is for making beats when really it's not. There is a reason for why they have those two titles is because they are Traditional Record Producer's that are heavily involved in the Co-Writing process such as making beats, compared to a Rock Producer that would only oversee the direction of the Record that would only receive one credit as Producer and nothing else. Hip Hop Producer's are basically wearing two hats as the Producer and Co-Writer as they get both Producer and Songwriting credits. I think that where the misconception comes from alot of Beat Makers calling themselves Producer's because they saw Timbo or Dre make beats, not knowing that those guys are wearing another hat as they are real Producer's when they aren't making beats.That's why you see Scott Storch, Dre, Timbaland, Pharrell or Rodney Jenkins credited as "Writer" and "Producer" in production credits. When you look closely at Production credits you will generally see Beat Makers or Record Producer's that make the beats credited as Writer, some times Composer, Instrumentation, Keyboards or Drum Programming. Producer credits only relates to Producer's that produce entire songs such as the MASTER RECORDING, ones the oversaw the direction of the Record. If they are Co-Writers, they will receive additional songwriting credits. Then you have Hip Hop Producer's like P-Diddy that doesn't make beats as he oversees the direction of the record, hint MTV Making The Band. Beyonce Knowles is also an acting role Vocal Producer and Executive Producer. She Co-Produced the entire 2001 Destiny Child - Survivor album. Hope that makes sense.

[@rahmaaripriono9532]

don't publish your wav/master file as a sample, convert it to mp3 then use that mp3 as a promote file

[@bad_at_accuracy_]

what if you don't finish a project in one day? do you date with the day you started it or finished it, will there be different dates imprinted digitally when you keep working on it over time?

[@ReachoneTeachone-np7hc]

All you got to say is which program you used. And keep the date of purchase you had the program..

[@528onthebeat7]

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! THANKS

[@NightCityTunes]

Hi 88Beats i have some a questions 1- what if i sell beat then the buyer copyright it 2- and should i not allowed to register the project with PRO 3- what more people buy lease right or explosive right sorry for a lot questions

[@danielcrews3999]

Thanks for the great video & information. The date of creation should automatically go in the document file of the computer. Other wise your way is more precise. Cheers

[@GarbelaHomeStudio]

Thank you for your content. I have a doubt. If I sell my beat by exclusive or non-exclusive contract, do I still collect copyright through ISRC and UPC? If the singer recorded his voice on my beat, should I generate another ISRC even selling on the exclusive, non-exclusive model? I ask this because I want to know if this market allows me to earn royalties through spotify, deezer, etc., in the exclusive and non exclusive models.

[@jackgreen7705]

Helpful discussion , i have a question. " when we publish our beats on youtube / souncloud .They already put the date of publishing above the description isn't that enough to claim it is copyrighted to us " ?

[@official88beats]

Yes but no. If the artist uploads a video using the beat but performs a song amd THEN contacts youtube for rights violation saying they bought your beat and wish you to remove the video youtube will more then likely do this. Dont rely on anything other than yourself when doing business..make rights which you sign if they own it, keep all records and make sure they have a mailing address linked with paypal and if they don't, refund the order and ask them to update the paypal if they are serious they will do so and understand.

[@cadeem88]

thanks for this interview man.

[@bEASToUTtHEbOX]

This is some bad advice here. This is like telling an inventor it's ok to sell your inventions without a patent. Where did you get this advice from? ...hope not from an attorney.

[@official88beats]

Speaking with music attorneys is a must for every situation as all are unique. However, all advice is from personal experience and legal attorneys. Been successfully selling beats and running my own company for 6+ years not 1 legal loss in history, so you are wrong I'd say. If you were right, I would not be here :)

[@laz_hg3796]

bEASToUTtHEbOX couldnt agree more!!💯

[@FRANKRICECOLD209]

yes every time you save your beat for example I use Cubase and everytime Cubase saves the file is updated in it has the date and time that it was made

[@willielavender9576]

REALLY? I USE CUBASE LE .

[@clrandolph300]

So lets you go back and update a beat... will the original date of creation still be saved??

[@RanjanGaanMusic]

brother, thank you so much for your advice and I also think the way you think but can you give some more information please ? the copyrights of some of my songs have been infringed by others... in Indian Copyright Act no where it is written that Copyright Registration is compulsory to sue anyone for Copyright Infringement.... so, I think I can sue them all for the copyright infringement of my songs... and there are many instances in India in which in some Courts it was held that Copyright Registration is not compulsory to sue anyone for infringement... I want to inform you that I am the lyricist, composer, singer and producer of the songs for which I want to sue copyright case... I have all the individual tracks (in wave files) of the songs with me.... I had made some of them in some recording studios and some were made in my home recording studio... I want to know whether I have to submit the tracks for the trial of my copyright case in court ? I am afraid, if I deposit the tracks and the defendants get chance to get the copy of the tracks illegally then I will be quite helpless... next thing is the tracks of the songs which were made in other studios may be available with the recordists.. the most important thing is all the songs I am talking about are sung by me... is there any procedure by which I can proove that those are my voice ? I mean isn't there any test by which it can be proved that I am the singer of all the songs ? Brother, it is my humble request to respond me though my comment is too long....

[@GoodrumMC]

really good video man, im glad i watch this b4 going to copyright.gov keep up the good work bro, peace

[@robertatkins3703]

i have a question. after i bounce my tracks down to WAV OR MP3 my computer automatically dates the file is that good enough?

[@adrifim5750]

I have a question in regards to the copyrights of a DAW. Are the instruments say example: bells.ogg. Are they copyrighted to where I owe anyone any royalties just for using that sound/instrument assuming I end making money from a song? Or is it the same as say using my synth keyboard from SamAsh, while using the bells instrument it has? I'm new to using a DAW, and doing it on the budget for songs I've written that I'm putting on my DAW(which is LMMS). I thought a bell sound is well, just a instrument no?

[@PrendaBlaqueMusik2]

u mean dont give steams unless u sell exclusively

[@HitMenProductionGroup]

Great info! You gave a lot of nuggets in this one!

[@AK-me5gi]

Perfect step by step guide to #MusicBusiness for #IndieArtists @ www.askmpublishing.com/product/mogul-learning-music-business-independent-artist/

[@particlejones]

I created a beat and then my friend came over we agreed no paperwork to collaborate I gave him some files he put drums on it now it is being sold on all streaming services by this rapper my friend apparently sold the beat 2 what can I do I have proof I made the Melody that plays throughout the whole song and similar drumsis there anything I can do

[@official88beats]

Ryan Miller well how many copies we talking about? You are a bit out of luck but you can pursue in small claims court if it came to that and just battle it out in court. Rule 1: this industry, there are NO FRIENDS Rule 2: live for yourself Rule 3: always read the contract (make it first)

[@mikebrown1775]

This is confusing because: I personally, as an artist and aspiring producer, prefer trackouts for better master song quality since each track can be mixed independently AND I don't purchase exclusives because I never want to ask someone to "give up their rights"... I believe producers should receive Front AND Back End pay AS WELL AS notable credit ("Prod. By DJabc") and accompany with split sheet and any other relevant producer agreement covering what may not be on the split sheet. I believe in giving credit when due and don't mind sharing royalties with the people who help me get them in the first place. And you're saying this is WRONG/INADVISABLE? ... Help me out.

[@miklodelahonda15]

i thought when you sold exclusive you are not giving them your rights you are just letting them be the only ones to be able to use the beat. so you can get royalties in the back end.

[@n8classics175]

When you sell your beats, I thought that's what you were doing, was giving them the beat with the trackouts? So is this what exporting a beat into a wav file does? When a person buys your beat, what are you specifically sending them, when they buy the beat? Anyone, thanks.

[@Therealsamso]

N8 BEATS mp3 or wav wav is usually more expensive track outs should never be sent one time a artist ask for my track outs for mixing I wasn’t sure what to do bc it could have used some mixing every situation is different

[@ButchCustoms]

what about ASCAP or BMI .. what happens if an artists that i sold a beat to have their song played on the radio

[@DJPain1]

+Dario Forde If it's not registered through your PRO, no performance royalties will be accounted for. If the song only gets a couple of plays, nobody's getting paid anyway. For hundreds of plays, there's money involved.

[@ScoobysVeganKitchen5]

you where rambling alot but its natural man you was spilling all that from the heart and i apprciate that! i have been making beats and writing songs forever but never made legit money so i have been watching these videos so i can finally start to do so. My question is this. if you have been selling beats leased and then someone wants the exclusive rights to the leased beat that was already making you money online... do you have to take down the lease beat after you sell the exclusive version? and does exclusive basically mean selling the TRACKED OUT VERSION? thanks for your help I am subscribing to your channel now!

[@official88beats]

lol yea my bad😁 but yes thats exactly what u do when you sell exclusives! you hand over all rights, i have a video on this on my channel.

[@dankslaps]

Correct me if Im wrong but...you still have to register your copyrights with copyright.gov. You cant even file a lawsuit against someone unless you have it registered with the government

[@official88beats]

Dank Beatz there are many ways you can protect your music, and yes copyright.gov is best BUT you absolutely can sue without copyrights. As I explain in my videos on how you can properly document everything and present it in court. If a record label were to obtain a song of yours by an artist who claimed it was theirs, more than likely they will settle with you out of court once you show them your raw files (daw work) as they dont want a legal court lawsuit on their public records. If you had no proof and or lost it, you are screwed..sometimes even with a copyright cause you could easily take someones beat and copyright it as your own. Dont count on a single copyright claim to protect you, always keep files, raw audio work etc. for further protection.

[@official88beats]

Keep in mind, 99% of your beats you lease never make radio let alone top 100 on charts: that being said, if i plan to send a particular beat to A&Rs, signed artists etc. i always copyright that track and register with BMI before throwing it put to big names. Know your clients, and stay safe!

[@dankslaps]

88Beats ok I see what you saying. Strategically register certain beats. I stopped registering my beats a few years ago once I learned about DMCA. But I think i need to start again cus you never know who going to buy it. I have seen certain situations that made me aware of how important registering it is. Can you do a video on connecting the copyrights with the publishing? I dont get how that shit works at all. So say I sell a exclusive beat for $200, and the artist actually makes a hit with it. (Like that Panda song). How would I make sure I get my royalties out of that type of situation? I got no problem selling exclusives for cheap as long as I know how to get them royalties

[@official88beats]

Dank Beatz yea i will make a video soon about it and go over the process. I got you! Look for the video in the next week or so, subscribe if you havent. I will comment back here when its online

[@dankslaps]

88Beats cool I appreciate it. And yea I already subbed earlier bro. I will be on the lookout for the vid

[@divinepurposeartclub8152]

can an artist copywrite their vocals on a leased beat?

[@RajBeats]

Excellent video, got the exact answers I needed. Thanks a lot @88beats

[@YoungCreator215]

Thanks a lot man, great advice!!!

[@iamjahara]

I notice you mentioned producers shouldn't give out there trackouts unless someone is purchasing exclusive rights. Do you feel that way still? The reason I'm asking is cause I'm a up n coming producer and I'm ready to start selling my music online, but I don't want to make the mistake of giving out my trackouts If it can possibly save me the headache down the line.

[@nasushiharuno]

Mate i got some doubts about all this thing, I didn't get it, then I shouldn't copyright my beats or what? Hope you can help me

[@drydessert4198]

watermarking. apart from that you have the DAW project files. the patches for the synths, the drum samples...

[@kooladeporter8910]

love your videos man

[@Tnbeazy]

Thanks for all the good help!

[@AK-me5gi]

Perfect step by step guide to #MusicBusiness for #IndieArtists @ www.askmpublishing.com/product/mogul-learning-music-business-independent-artist/

[@op-1g.s]

But if I sample from a royalty free jazz song on KZbin? Do i still have to clear the sample ? Thanks 🙏

[@jules7168]

Thanks. Good info right there

[@AtlantaPrin]

You do not have to register your work to have a valid copyright. However, you must have registered your work in order to initiate a lawsuit. If you want sue for damages you must COPYRIGHT YOUR MUSIC

[@official88beats]

Atlanta Prin you can surely sue with a legal binding agreement, proof of emails and records of transactions. That is enough proof in a US court room to win a lawsuit. Proving you created the work and that artist bought it is enough. I assume you have never been in this situation? Everything comes from experience.

[@AtlantaPrin]

88Beats I was referring to an copyright infringement suit...

[@AtlantaPrin]

In order to file in Federal Court you must copyright your music with the Library of Congress. Now you can do it whenever you want to but in order to actually file and suit you must file with the Library of Congress first and if you want to sue for damages and lawyer fees you must file within three months of publishing the music

[@AtlantaPrin]

88Beats and yes I have plenty experience I've been in the music industry for the past 16 years and I've had to file a federal lawsuit myself

[@official88beats]

Atlanta Prin no you don't! Small claims cases mostly always have no legalities other than a contract! Now, the proper protocol is of course to copyright the material, I always advise this BUT I am simply letting others know it is not the end if you don't copyright and you can win a case. Again, if you have not experienced this then simply don't speak on my videos. I am tired of these people like yourself who have probably never seen a court room on behalf of your company try and tell others what happens. I have been there in a court room against someone who had nothing to prove, I had no legal copyrights of any kind just simple paper proof, invoices and emails and the court room laughed at him and awarded me. Experience is knowledge sir.

[@technetech8172]

if you e-mail yourself your projects does this work as poor man's copyright. or do you have to mail it with the postal service?

[@official88beats]

Walter PJ Hamilton mail, because in court tangible proof wins over hearsay

[@YoungNaybahKowzy]

New subscriber here... Thanks for this video! You're a fvcking genius!

[@robertdurhammusic]

hey man great video. just a quick question if you dont mind. In terms of a songwriter using a producers beat on an unlimited distribution lease. Can they copyright the finished song under ascap or bmi to register it for their work done on the track as they have a lease. Or does registering only apply to exclusive. thanks man

[@hiphopalx]

To organize when you made your beat or music it is good to write the date in the folder. But this date can be edited and renamed, so to put the date in the folder regarding when you made the beat must be for your own organizing right?

[@itsrelativ3967]

Copyright the song, not the beat. That means work with recording artists and engineers that you can trust.

[@creativetalks4733]

if I make sum beats that can be already copyrighted rite!! so should I concentrate on making music or should invest my all the time in doing research which beats are already registered!! that's so insane!!

[@sybeltre9357]

thanks man..that really helped....question? what if i sell one of my beats that is not copyrightng,> and later on i have a another artist who wants to do a song with me on that same beat, what is the process for that?

[@charleswhipple3792]

BECAUSE A LOT OF SONGS HAVE THE SAME BEAT OR SOUND, DOE'"S THAT MEAN SOMEONE HAS STOLEN YOUR SONG OR MUSIC? I COULD BE HERE THINKING ABOUT AN SONG OR MUSIC ARRANGEMENT AND SOMEONE ELSE THINKING THE SAME THING. WHAT THEN ? BOTH HAVE THE SAME IDEA AND ARRANG. THEN WHO HAS THE RIGHT?

[@pjbrownemusic]

No two people think alike or do the same thing the same way.

[@micahmggreen3464]

So what should I give the artist when selling my beat if not the track outs?

[@official88beats]

I sell leases in wav format, no track outs, all the time.. Not sure what you are spewing bs about lol

[@DJRY360]

EddieBee83 you pay to lease a car.. doesn't mean you own the vehicle

[@AK-me5gi]

Perfect step by step guide to #MusicBusiness for #IndieArtists @ www.askmpublishing.com/product/mogul-learning-music-business-independent-artist/

[@danben2150]

hey 88. ... I REALLY NEED YOUR ADVICE ON THIS ... if someone ask to send a beat in the email so they can check it out.... do I HAVE TO SEND MY Contract WITH IT.... or is it OK JUST TO SEND THE BEAT......

[@frankm6711]

All this court bullshit sounds nice but the question is WHO pays for all this. If its YOU paying some hack lawyer 750 bucks an hour you will get burned out financially and you wont prove or win shit. Pay attention to the law agreement with you and the lawyer that may want this case.

[@mrnobody7600]

Yesterday I sent a mail to ASCAP, I asked them this, if you have any idea about the question please answer it. "Hello, I want to learn that if someone purchases a beat license from me which I say you cannot register this beat to ASCAP or other websites in the contract, although those contracts are not law protected (I know that if someone agrees it, then it becomes legal) can that person register his song here? Do you ask them for license or other files? If not so then if I see that song registered here, will I be able to contact you to remove his/her song from here with proof?"

[@2hot2heavy]

thanks for the info!

[@williammcconnell4571]

How can I go by selling my beats and who can I go to , to advertise and sell my beat. could you be a help to me by going to or confronting me this information ?

[@natanunorthodox]

But I thought that copyrighting through the government makes you more money somehow? This is so confusing, so what is the main difference with copyright and publishing/royalties? I watched video after video, and I still don't get this. Anyone with knowledge on this mind explaining? Thanks

[@official88beats]

No copyright law office allows you to protect your original creations. Publishing makes you money when songs are streamed etc. I use distrokid, and when I get a placement the artist lists me as Composer with a percentage, depending on if its just beat creation I get anywhere from 4-10% and if I write the hook an additional 10%. Thats what distribution centers cover. Now lets say for this record Crooked I performs that song, and I have BMI and he uses ASCAP, he still lists me there under his ASCAP and BMI collects payments from performing and pays me quarterly. Distrokid- streaming and owner split pay BMI - performance royalties ASCAP - performance royalties You cant use both BMI and ASCAP or else youd end up getting paid twice so they wont allow that. Choose 1.

[@FaMakaJBaby]

thanks man this really helps me out

[@AK-me5gi]

Perfect step by step guide to #MusicBusiness for #IndieArtists @ www.askmpublishing.com/product/mogul-learning-music-business-independent-artist/

[@disisyoutube7606]

Thanks , Bro..

[@theshadow532]

You can't copyright a drumbeat. Without music in it. Every beat you can create has already been done though out history

[@Myreverlation]

What If You Meet A Top Artist Do You Not Give Them The Track Out Beats If They Pay You Still Own Them

[@beatsxtin]

I post my beats to soundcloud and recently I had a friend ask me to send him some beats so he can check them out and purchase one. I told him to check out my soundcloud and that if he wanted to buy one off my page to just let me know. I know that people can pretty much use apps to download audio from soundcloud and youtube. What should I do if people do that with my beats?

[@official88beats]

Tag your beats of course with a beat tag. When they buy it, remove it. In the intro of our videos you'll hear the beat tag "Beats, graphics" etc. we put that on every beat we display online, when purchased it is removed.

[@StylesLee]

It cost you $ to Copywrite your Beat/s, Producers out there can Tweak-Twist & you wouldn't notice Your Own Original Hard Work. Best to Sell it Straight off a Site that takes care of your Hard Work like (WiX) UpLoad Your Beat/s-Your Price-Paypal-$ For You & No Ads HEK!

[@clarityproductionent7531]

Nice information

[@Tay8085thSZN]

collaboration?

[@nineteenseventynines]

Quik question what if I use samples in my beat can i still lease them ? Cani get sued for selling a beat that has samples ? Thanks !

[@DJRY360]

nineteenseventynines just have it in the contract that the artist using the beat is responsible for clearing all samples

[@humblejo130]

Should i make a beat tag for my beat?

[@coreyeverett3142]

What if you gave them a Mastered MP3 file..Does that count?

[@GoodrumMC]

no, because you should have the track out

[@coreyeverett3142]

Joel Goodrum oh okay Thanks!

[@WilliamDaProducer1989]

what if you upload your trackouts to tunecore

[@jevsdisjava]

There is something people should understand, all beat sales online are usulay garbrage or useless unintersting beat. Beat that standout usually producers never put them on youtube or soundcloud or internet, they just content some established artist or studio to make percentage contract with them. Usually, every online beat that goes viral was because of the artitse flow, let take panda beat, the beat just suck as fuck, the producer even was sure tht this beat worth nothing so he sell it at a very ship price. Designer likely woth his weak corny flow wirdely goes viral. Yous see? This is how it goes. Timbalen never sell beat online because he never make trap beat. All trap beat soind the same, they are all useless, so you nwver know if by looking if it can make it, only luck can make it work. If your beat standout you will never have they courage to spread it on youtube, facts.

[@official88beats]

Most who follow me on youtube know this, I stress it often. With me, all my beats I copyright and setup on BMI I fish to my A&R contacts, and shop to major artists. Other than those, I take the risk of someone unsigned blowing up, then me fighting in court.

[@majormozart8811]

what does royaltee free mean? I see a lot of producer put that in their contract. does that mean we are giving away our royaltees to the licensee? im so confused.. i just started out

[@joecar0927]

it means that the producer doesn't continue to recieve a percentage from the profit the artist makes from the song

[@Jeremy-su3xy]

what is the master file? do you mean wav files? I can copy them. what do you mean?

[@official88beats]

WAV files are just stems, or track outs. A master file contains the creators actual creative content meaning pro tools session file containing all stem files before they were bounced out and leased. FL Studio project file is a master file, containing all content. In a court of law, this type of evidence is indisputable. Now, if someone changes a tempo, adds in some synth and guitar, shortens or extends it at that moment it is their own creation / composition not a sample. Very large loopholes BUT if someone takes your exact blueprint beat and gets large placements then your master file is God.

[@Jeremy-su3xy]

@@official88beats Thanks.

[@JazRodTv]

What do you use to keep track of your sales. And what do you use to keep records of your business's transactions?

[@Omgisthatavery]

paypal keeps track of em automatically

[@capojaymo23]

Your a boss great advice

[@trellyproductions7685]

I was 10 years old when you made this. Lol

[@rolandodurrant2361]

Hey bro I just make a beat copyright it and a artist want to voice on the beat What and how do I go about handling this please I need some help I’m very new to this

[@Therealsamso]

rolando durrant good question

[@malikjohnson8127]

Ok I got a question so I'm just now really starting to want to sell my beats so let's say I meet a famous rapper or whatever they like my beat and I sell for let's say just random numbers like 5-8 thousand or whatever exclusive of course and as u say ship them the contract so what about royalties I've heard if a artist put your beat on a album u can make money from royalties and we get I believe 3-5 percent how does that go do I include it in the contract that I want royalties or what?

[@official88beats]

Malik Johnson if you do the deal in person an agreement should be made. Going average of royalties is 3-10% expect 3% with major artists Register works via BMI or ASCAP and they pay through that, BMI is what I use. They would mail a check to you. If an artist offers a cash price and says no royalties, they will pay between 10-50K and you walk.

[@malikjohnson8127]

88Beats thanks very helpful

[@Ooutloudbeatz]

Videos dope thanks bro

[@prodcountryjames]

Say if I want to sync license my Beat do I have to place a metadata or what ever that is in my Beat?

[@AcidDeathRitual]

Cut or recut to stems nothing bare is wat your sayin?

[@turbossonic]

lets say your a new producer right. and you send a beat to a famous comedian on instagram to make a funny skit on and he helps to make the beat popular, but u really gave it for free to get recognition online, but it blows up and everyone keeps coming at you for the beat. is it ok to just give it away. can u make money from a remade track?