It’s hard for me to understand why there are so many publications of singers and rappers asking for free beats. I know that it’s cool to use something without paying, especially if we are short of resources. But tell me: what do you think about an artist going around begging for beats?
Can I get this beat for free?
I’ll give you credits!
But beyond the issue of our artistic image, others should concern us even more. Using free beats can lead us through situations that cost us bad times, worries, time, and money. For these reasons, I never recommend using them.
To understand more deeply, I have to explain what it means to use an instrumental without a license:
Usually, those who use FREE BEATS don’t ask the owner (the beatmaker, producer, or whoever has the rights to the instrumental) for express permission in writing to do so. In other words, a document authorizing the use but, above all, where is specified under what conditions. This document is known in the industry as a LICENSE.
If you don’t have a license, it’s the same as using the instrumentals without permission, even if the title says FREE. Even with the verbal or written consent of the beatmaker, there should be a document stating the conditions.
The non-existence of this document is the reason that originates all the inconveniences that I explain below:
You will not be able to do anything with your recording:
As it sounds! As much as you have worked and sweated a song, you did it using unauthorized content, so anything you do with it will infringe copyright. It implies that you will not be able to distribute it or sign with a record company. If you upload a video to YouTube, this can be removed when the owner of the beat wants to. In practice, you’ll always be at his mercy and what he decides to do with your record.
I heard of artists spending a fortune on some brutal videos, but because they did not buy a license that would have cost them $ 30 or $ 40, they had to remove the Video. I still wonder: what the hell were they thinking?
You can never monetize:
Imagine that after a lot of effort and failed attempts, you finally release a song that goes viral and in few weeks became a global hit with millions of views. Well, I’m sorry to tell you that you won’t have anything left of that. What could end all your financial worries will be capitalized by someone else, just for not having a license. It is an extreme case, but it has happened.
Poor audio quality:
The beats we download for free, usually from YouTube, comes in low audio quality. So our music production will hardly reach the standards of a professional one. Also, they use to have marks identifying the producer, known in the industry as tags.
These tags alert that the beat is being used without permission. When we purchase a license, it includes high-quality audio files (no-tags). With them, we can achieve much better production.
I don’t have money. What options do I have?
Most of the beatmakers post our instrumentals on YouTube. It’s a way of promoting ourselves. Some of them add the word FREE on the title; as a way to position themselves and attract people who are looking for instrumentals.
But just because it says FREE; doesn’t mean it really is. If you check out the descriptions of the videos, you will most likely come across some clause or writing where it says something like:
ONLY FOR NON-PROFIT USE
FOR PROFIT USE, BUY A LICENSE.
Profit use means uploading it to any platform, so this is just a subtle way of saying
YOU DON’T HAVE PERMISSION, BUY A LICENSE.
That is why we should not talk about free beats but rather about FREE LICENSES. It would be the most appropriate term and what you would have to consider if you cannot access a paid license.
In our store www.catbeatsmusic.com, for example, we promote our work offering a pack of five beats. But each of those beats comes with a license agreement attached. In other words, we offer five free licenses, not only the music.
Whatever, you should always keep in mind that it is not enough to have free music. The permission to use it is just as necessary.
But what to do if I have already used a beat without a license?
Before anything, you must know that we beatmakers use to be affiliated with some Content ID service. So, if you uploaded a song with an unlicensed beat thinking the owner is not going to know, then you are wrong. Sooner or later, he will.
The best thing you can do is buy the license before he finds out. If he already found out and you have a claim, then contact him and negotiate. Try to do it as soon as possible. When a song does not have many views, it uses to be easier to reach an agreement.
Things get ugly when the songs have been widely played. Some people are very ambitious. They ask the artist for a lot of money (which he often does not have) under threat of removing the song of the platforms; in exchange to grant the corresponding license.
The truth is they are within their rights. You, although without malicious intent, infringed their rights and were left at their mercy. There are high-profile cases in the industry. But for your peace of mind, it is not what usually happens. In such circumstances, the owner of the beat would like to keep the song playing and thus be able to monetize it. Therefore, you will most likely reach an agreement with him, although it will surely be disadvantageous for you.
If you want to try any of my beats, write a song, record an idea, or demo to show it, I don’t care you download any of them.
Actually, in our store www.catbeatsmusic.com, you can download as many beats as you want for free. But if you are going to use them commercially (upload it to any platform), I demand that you buy a license. It’s fair, don’t you think?
Of course, everything I have told you before has more or less value depending on what you want for yourself and how far you intend to go with your musical career.
If you’re making music just for fun, or you don’t think making a living from music, what does it matter? Download all the free beats you want, with or without a license. What’s the worst that could happen?
But if you value yourself as an artist, take your music seriously, and intend to make a living from it, then
NEVER USE A BEAT WITHOUT A LICENSE
Repeat: NEVER!
If you don’t have the resources to buy, then look for free licenses or save to. It is not so much money for what it represents as an investment. That is the root of your musical project. Otherwise, you’ll never achieve anything with the songs you make, at least commercially speaking.
The truth is most of us producers are good people, and although we hate being asked for free beats, deep down (at least I) feel flattered that someone wants to use my music. I’m honored! But I can’t stop demanding the value of my work; because that’s how I make a living.
Cristóbal “Catire” Mancheño
Music, Songwriter
& Recording Engineer