Licence terms
The plain-language version of what each licence covers. Your signed licence, emailed with your track, is the version that counts.
Every licence
- Non-exclusive. Others can license the same track. Ask about an exclusive licence if you need it reserved.
- I keep ownership. Copyright in the composition and recording, publishing and all performance royalties stay with me. A licence is permission to use, not a sale or buyout.
- Per project. One licence covers one project, channel or piece. Using the track somewhere else needs another licence.
- No resale. You can't sell, share or redistribute the track on its own, or claim it as your own work.
- Delivery. After payment I email the full-quality WAV and your licence within one business day.
- Ending a licence. If a term is broken and not fixed within 14 days of notice, the licence ends.
- Law. British Columbia and Canada.
Creator $59 CAD
Covers: your own social posts, YouTube (including monetized channels), podcasts, livestreams, your website, and student or non-commercial short films.
Doesn't cover: paid ads, branded or client work, broadcast, streaming services, cinema, games, apps or live performance, including dance.
Term: worldwide and permanent, for content published within 12 months of your licence date.
Edits: cut, loop or shorten to fit. No remixing or added vocals.
Content ID: if a claim appears, send me the link and I'll clear it.
Credit (where practical): Music: "Track title" by Ben Waters (benwatersmusic.com)
Indie Film & Online $249 CAD
Covers: one indie or festival film, online ad, corporate video or web series. Unlimited festival submissions and screenings, online distribution, non-broadcast screenings, trailers and promo cuts, and online ads with paid media spend up to $10,000 CAD.
Doesn't cover: TV, cable, streaming or VOD platforms, theatrical release, ad spend over $10,000 CAD, games or apps. If your project is picked up for any of these, upgrade to a Broadcast licence before release, and I'll credit what you've paid.
Term: worldwide and permanent, for the project as licensed.
Edits: edit to picture as needed. Remixing or re-recording needs my written OK.
Cue sheet: if the project is publicly performed or broadcast, file a cue sheet listing me as composer and publisher (SOCAN) and send me a copy.
Credit (end credits): "Track title" Written and Performed by Ben Waters, Courtesy of Ben Waters Music
Dance $350 CAD
Covers: one dance piece for a 12-month season: rehearsal and class use, unlimited live performances at competitions, recitals, showcases, auditions and studio events, and filming those performances for adjudication, entries, auditions and your own social media.
Doesn't cover: other choreography, professional company seasons or ticketed productions, paid ads, broadcast, streaming or film, or selling recordings of the performance.
Edits: cut, shorten or loop to fit the choreography. Ask me for a custom edit.
Performing rights: the live performance right for your piece is licensed directly by me. Venues and events keep their usual SOCAN licences.
Another season: renew at the current rate.
Credit (programs, entry forms, posts): Music: "Track title" by Ben Waters (benwatersmusic.com)
Bigger projects
Broadcast, games and apps, professional dance productions, exclusives and anything unusual are licensed by quote, with terms written for the project. Tell me about yours, or email ben@benwatersmusic.com.