Iris Records

MUSIC LICENSING

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Welcome to Iris Records music licensing page representing dozens of artists for film, television, commercial, and all other types of sync licensing.

Much of the music represented is "one-stop" for sync & master rights. If there are outside publishers, we will help you locate them and assist in clearance if possible.

Looking for a specific sound for your project? Email us with your needs!

If you have questions about music clearance/licensing, or need to know how to word a request, take a look at the FAQ

Here is a list of projects we’ve placed music in over the years

CONTACT US

To request music for film, television, commercial, and all other types of sync licensing please email us at info@irisrecords.com or fax the request to 310.388.5353

If you need help structuring a request click here for instructions

1. What is Music Clearance and Licensing?

You need to have permission in order to put someone’s music into a film, television program, video game, etc. This process of requesting and negotiating a fee and receiving permission is called “music clearance.” After one has received clearance, the process of issuing contracts and payment is called “licensing.” To put a recording underneath picture (to “synchronize”) requires two types of rights clearances, the “sync rights” and the “master recording rights.” “Sync Rights” are for the actual words and music used (the “composition.”) “Master Recording Rights” are for the specific recording of that composition (the “master.”)

EXAMPLE… if your film needs the acoustic version of “I Try ” as recorded by Benjamin Taylor, there are two clearances: the “sync rights” for the composition, owned by Macy Gray’s publisher, Stage Three Music, Inc, and the “master rights” for the recording, owned by Benjamin Taylor's record label which is us (Iris Records).

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2. What does "one-stop" mean?

A “one-stop” clearance means that Iris Records can provide clearances and licensing for both sync and master rights. Approval from an outside publisher (such as Warner/Chappell, or any other publisher) is unnecessary in this case. Much of our music is one-stop, helping us to provide easier, faster, and often times less expensive clearances.

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3. Can I use "eight bars for free"?

No. Not four bars. Not even one bar.

Can one of our bands use one of your credit cards? No? Even if it’s just to buy one teeny tiny little bottle of beer? No?.... We didn’t think so. “Eight Bars For Free” is not legal, and therefore not smart either. It can cost you a fortune in legal fees and licensing fees.

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4. I’m a starving filmmaker with no budget and want to show my film at festivals. Do I still have to pay?

Probably. Iris Records is all about the indie spirit, but we can’t play favorites. If others have paid for the same song, we’re not going to license it again for free and piss everyone off. If there’s a big publisher involved, you’re chances of getting free music are close to impossible.

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6. How do I structure a music request for my project?

All requests for Iris Records music need to be in writing. We’ll be happy to speak with you on the phone, but we will not take clearance requests over the phone. Written requests can be faxed or emailed if in a PDF non editable form. Clearances and licenses are legal documents. If you don’t have access to a fax or are unable to create a PDF and you are serious about licensing music for a project, give us a call. I’m sure we can work something out.
Requests need to include the following info.:
1. Your name, company name, address, phone/fax/email
2. Project name, synopsis, music budget, any other important production detail
3. Song title, artist, album title, record label
4. Scene description – describe the scene in the movie/show
5. Use & timing – instrumental or vocal? How long is the music use?
6. Rights requested (length of term, territories needed, media needed)
7. Deadline for clearance

7. What are the costs of licensing music?

It completely depends on everything listed in the above question. That being said, some artists/songs are more expensive than others. In general, Iris Records will get you better deals to work within your budget (or lack thereof) on our one-stop songs than major labels / major publishers can do for their own songs. Indie is better than corporate, musically and fiscally.

9. How long does it take to receive permission for a music use?

For an Iris Records one-stop song, it will normally be done within 24 hours. If there are outside publishers, or if we need to speak with the band / writers, it can take a little bit longer. In the case of a song with major publishers, it’s at their discretion. Normally we’ll be able to estimate for you on a case by case basis.

11. Can I just go directly to one of your Bands to get the songs?

No. Our Bands work with us so that (no offense) they don’t have to talk to you. If you go directly to one of our bands to discuss licensing music, they will eventually forward you to us. We say ‘eventually’ because that process can take some time. Time that, we assume, you don’t have to waste.

12. I own a record label or in a band. Can I affiliate myself with iris records? How do I submit music? Do you take on composers?

We are not taking on any composers at this time. We do take on new record labels or possibly bands when the correct situations arise. The best way for you to inquire about this would be to email us information about your label or band. If you have a website to point us to, great. If not, that’s ok too.
DO NOT simply mail us a random package of your music. It will wind up in the trash, or in a random pile somewhere never to be seen again, or maybe even as a coaster.