Creed and Vision: The New Single From Chris Swan

Announcing the new single from Chris Swan and Soul Motivation Records...

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"It's ok to know our strength,
It's ok to know our weakness.
We use our weakness to make each other stronger,
'Cuz if one shines, we all shine longer."

Creed and Vision
Coming June 1st, 2018

Lost?  Not sure where to go next?

Clouds by Trip Lee

This one's for the dreamers.

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

This song has been one of my go-to jams for a while now.  I feel like it's time I make sure you are hip to this tune.  This song makes me smile.  This song is all about dreaming.  It's all about making sure you wake up on the right side of the bed no matter which side you actually wake up on.  You can choose every day to live for your dreams.  This is your time.  This is your spot.  And if you want to live in the clouds, do it.  It's a whole other world up there.

Way up in the clouds like I'm on one.

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How To Stop The Madness

Do you ever feel like this?

Do you ever just start to freak out because you realize the madness is never going to end.  Your schedule is full everyday of stuff that you don't really want to do.  And the way you get through it is by telling yourself you just have to power through and then it will be ok.  But then you realize, no it won't.  Because as soon as I'm done pushing through, the whole cycle starts all over again.  It's never going to stop.  I'm never going to get a break.  And you hold out hope that the special thing you are working on is going to come save the day.  But then you realize you are 41 and it hasn't saved the day yet.  What if it never does?  Can I really live in this misery every day for the rest of my life?  I don't think I can handle that yet but what choice do I have?  I have to do the things I have to do.  But I can't stand the thought of doing them one more day.  Then panic and depression sets in.  It feels like there is no way to fix this.

Sound familiar?

This is, honestly, a thought I have several times a week.  I get scared that I am never going to achieve my goals.  I get scared that I'm never going to win and scared that I am going to be stuck in this rat race forever.  That's when it is more important than ever to make sure I am living with purpose.  I have to have a goal in site.  I need to know what I am working for.  If I can see that light at the end of the tunnel, then I can push through for one more day.  It's not easy, but it's worth it.

And think of the other option:  to give up completely.  I could throw my hands up and give up, but what is the point of that?  What does that really solve?  Without purpose, life becomes meaningless real quick.  And that's when I find myself in bed eating ice cream all day.

You are not alone.

We all struggle with feeling overwhelmed.  We all find ourselves stuck in a crazy cycle that we think will last forever.  But the truth is, it doesn't have to.  You do have the power to change it.  Change is not always easy but you can start right now.  Today.  Find your purpose.  Find what really makes you excited.  Set your goals.  And then keep your eye on the prize.  Be happy you get to work so hard at something you love.  That's how you change the world.  And that is how you get the madness to end. 

H.O.P.E. Is Here!

H.O.P.E.
The new single from Chris Swan is here!  

Life is stressful. People are tense. The political climate in our country is volatile. And I don't think I have ever seen so much division in our country as I do now. And if you aren't careful, you can be easily swept up in this ball of stress and start to believe the world is doomed. But I am here to tell you that hope is alive and well.

Click here or on the picture to get a FREE download of H.O.P.E.!

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H.O.P.E.: The Story Behind The Song

Hit play to hear what inspired my song H.O.P.E. and what I hope you get out of it!  And be sure to share this video with those who you think need to hear it!

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How To Find Hope

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"I think we all could use some hope."

Life is stressful.  People are tense.  The political climate in our country is volatile.  And I don't think I have ever seen so much division in our country as I do now.  I think it's great that people are speaking up and sharing their truth.  But it's also frustrating to see so many people talking but not listening.  There is so much finger pointing going on, telling us who to blame for our problems.  And if you aren't careful, you can be easily swept up in this ball of stress and start to believe the world is doomed.  It's so easy to just focus on all the negativity, the bickering and the chaos.  It's everywhere.  It's on Facebook, Twitter, at the grocery store, at church.  Everywhere.  I've seen so many friends get lost in anger to the point it's hard to even talk to them any more.  And I think a lot of people are so consumed with the darkness that they can't see the light.  But I'm here to tell you, there is hope.  The world is still full of wonderful, caring people.  There are people doing amazing things every day to make the world a better place.  The world is still full of love, wonder, and adventure.  None of that has changed.  It's all still there but we've gotten so lost that it's hard to see it.

"If you just open your eyes you'll see it's not so hard to cope with the bad now if you see it somehow."

Every day we have a choice.  What are we going to believe today?  Are we going to believe it's the end of the world?  That there is no way we can fix the damage that has been done?  That there is no way to find unity in such a divided world?  Or are we going to choose hope?  Are we going to choose to believe in people again?  Are we going to believe that love can truly conquer all?  Are we going to believe that we are going to be ok?  It's up to us to choose it every day.  We can't let someone else's agenda derail us.  We have to choose the enlightened path and stick to it.  Because we know at the end of the path, is all the hope we can stand.

"And if you want it then you got to give it."

Once we choose it, we can help change the climate around us.  How do we change it?  By giving.  If you want hope, then you have to give hope.  We have to share kindness with others around us.  We have to encourage the checkout person at the grocery store and tell them they are doing a great job.  We have to help the homeless man standing at the side of the road asking for money.  We have to smile.  We have to find joy.  We have to stop arguing on Facebook and start having face to face conversations.  And most of all, we have to LISTEN.  We need to stop talking and start listening.  Because we all want the same things.  We all want peace, joy and a happy life.  The only way we get to have those things is if we swallow our pride and listen to the hearts of those around us.  If you choose it, believe it and give it, hope will always be there promising a better day.  If you don't give up on hope, then it will never give up on you.

"You don't have to close your eyes no more, just look and see the dream you wished for."

H.O.P.E - The new single from Chris Swan.
Coming May 1, 2018!

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Everything's Alright From Jesus Christ Superstar

Live TV at it's best!

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

I am a sucker for musicals, especially Andrew Lloyd Weber musicals.  So when I heard they were doing a live version of Jesus Christ Superstar on NBC with John Legend and Sara Bareilles, I was in.  I expected it to be decent but was actually blown away by how amazing it was!  The set was awesome, the cinematography was off the charts and the performances were spot on!  I loved it.  But the biggest take away for me was that I had forgotten how great the songs were in Jesus Christ Superstar.  Especially this one.  I love the simple melody and encouraging message of "Everything's Alright."  And although it's a song sung to Jesus at a stressful time in His life, I think it's a song that can encourage us all at a stressful time in ours.  Simple and sweet, the message rings true...

Everything is alright, everything's fine.

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New Singles From Chris Swan Every Month!

Yep, you heard that right.  Starting May 1 2018, I will be releasing a new single every month up until the release of my new album in November.  Oh yea, I have a new album coming out in November!  I'm so excited for you to hear it.  It's all about the simple joys and complex heartaches that we all go through in life.  This album is me talking to you about the struggles I have as well as the moments of victory.  I want you to know you are not alone.  And I want you to know that there is always H.O.P.E.!

I know you will find peace, comfort and encouragement in these songs just like I do.  And with the power of music on your side, you are destined to live the amazing life you deserve!

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H.O.P.E.
The new single from Chris Swan
Coming May 1, 2018!

 

 

 

Lost?  Not sure where to go next?

Forest Whitaker by Brother Ali

To everyone out there who is a little different...

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

This song is a jam and such a great reminder we need to love ourselves right now.  As we are today.  And anyone who doesn't love you the way you are does not deserve your friendship.  You are perfect.  Right now.  Today.  The way you are is the way you were created to be.  Sure, we can always do things to better ourselves, but never think for a minute you have to wait to be happy.  Don't tell yourself you'll be happy "when I..."  Be happy today.  Right now.  Love yourself and be thankful you are an original.  You are the only you.  And that's amazing.  Just like you.

I'm a be alright, I'm a be okay.

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How To Find True Freedom

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All we want is to be free.  Free to choose.  Free to live our lives.  Free to pursue happiness.  But are we truly free?  There are so many things that we allow to trap us and keep us imprisoned.  Sometimes it's our job. Sometimes it's an unhealthy relationship.  And sometimes it's drugs, alcohol or even food.  Our lives can get so crazy and so filled with stress.  And it's only natural for us to seek out ways to relieve our stress.  And sadly, many times we choose those things that end up enslaving us.  The comfort that we get from these things makes us think we are doing something to make our lives better.  But these comforts are only temporary and usually leave us feeling worse than we did before.

True freedom comes from letting go of the things we think are making us happy, but are actually making us miserable.  We think that it is more freeing to be able to eat whatever we want and not have a bunch of restrictions on our diet.  But the truth is, you become trapped by the bad food and the bad habits.  You become a slave to your addiction.  Every day you have to do a whole checklist of things to keep up the addiction.  It's a lot of work!  Making sure you have ice cream and pizza in the freezer.  Or the right alcohol.  Or cigarettes.  You spend half of your day running errands to make sure you have your comforts.  And even though you know you will feel gross afterward, you still sit down and eat that entire pizza in one sitting because you are controlled by your addiction.  You may not even want it anymore.  It may not even sound good, but it's your only source of happiness so you decide to do it anyway.  That does not sound like freedom to me.

True freedom is learning to let go of our addictions.  To just let God or the universe take them away from us so we can start focusing on the things that will make us truly happy.  Better health.  More friends.  More love.  Getting a dog.  Going outside more.  Watching sunrises and sunsets.  These are the things that make us feel truly free.  No longer trapped by an addiction that keeps us at home in front of the TV, we now have the freedom to explore the world.  We have the energy to go outside.  To travel.  To spend time with people.  That is the life we truly want.  That is freedom!

So true freedom comes from beating these bad habits.  Eliminating them and bringing more true joy givers into our lives.  For me, it’s time with family, hanging with friends, getting a dog, going to church, spending more time outside and creating original music.  See more sunrises and sunsets.  Go to more movies.  Go to more concerts and Broadway shows.  Get involved in community events.  Give.  Love.  Achieve goals.  That’s where we find true joy and true freedom.  Free from the shackles of our addictions and bad habits.  We can truly let them go and not be trapped.  Not be blocked from feeling true joy.  

True freedom.  It's out there.  It's right in front of you and all you have to do is grab it.  But it comes at a price and that price is the hard work it takes to break these addictions.  Bad habits have a way of becoming engrained in our lives and getting rid of them is serious work.  It takes true dedication and commitment.  But if you can focus on loving yourself and taking care of yourself, then you will start to feel that you deserve better habits.  Once you feel you deserve them, then you will have the strength to truly change.  It's not easy but it's worth it.

Aren't you tired of feeling trapped?  Aren't you tired of not experiencing the joy of being free?  You deserve it and you can have it but you have to go get it.  No one is coming to save you.  No one is coming to take these addictions away from you.  It's time for you to look in the mirror and truly face these bad habits.  Be honest with yourself.  What is holding you back?  Name it.  Say it out loud.  Write it down.  And then make a plan to destroy it.  Because I promise, once you do, true freedom awaits!

Rose Garden by Shad

You can't be mad or sad while you listen to Shad.

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

See, I'm a rapper so that rhymed.  But seriously, Shad is quickly becoming one of my new favorite rappers.  He has such an infectious, positive energy and never does that shine as bright as it does in his song Rose Garden.  Such a fun, sample-heavy jam.  The hook says it all:

I didn't promise you a rose garden along with the sunshine,
There's gonna be some rain sometimes, watch out.

There is going to be some rain sometime and it's important to be ready for it.  But after the rain, you can kick back and enjoy your rose garden.  No reason you can't have both.  So sit back, enjoy the rain and enjoy this happy jam by Shad.

Can't cower when the rain falls.

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Happiness Is For The Birds

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It happens every morning.  Well before my alarm clock goes off.  Just as the sun is starting to come up, the birds outside my bedroom window lose their minds.  They start chirping and rustling around, so excited about a new day.  And while I am trying to get a few more hours of sleep, all I can hear is these happy little birds outside my window.  My initial reaction is anger.  I need my beauty sleep!  Don't the birds understand this?  But why does this annoy me so much?  Why can’t I join in on their joy fest?

It’s instinct for a bird to be happy in the morning.  They don’t have the human-made stresses that block their happiness.   They don't have to worry about whose turn it is to drive the carpool today.  They don't have to dread going to a dead end job that they hate.  They don't have to spend the day worrying about if they are overeating or not exercising enough.  When the sun comes up, they couldn’t be more excited to be alive.  Not a worry in the world.  All they care about is how great it is that the sun is coming up.  It's a new day.  New opportunities.  New worms to eat.  How exciting! 

As I started thinking more about it, I thought it was interesting that my first reaction was anger.  How could I be angry at something for being happy?  True, it was interrupting my oh-so-precious beauty sleep, but that was not their intention.  It's not like the birds are out there planning how to make my life miserable.  They just have such a strong sense of joy that they can't contain themselves.  They just have to let the world know how awesome it is to have this new day so they sing.  They shout.  They play.  They live! 

And this may sound a little corny, but I really want to be more like those birds.  I want to be excited to be alive every morning.  I want to see all the opportunities that await me when the sun starts coming up.  And I want to sing it out loud for everyone to hear, even those people that don't want to hear it.  Because it's been my experience that the people that don't want to hear it are the people that need to hear it the most.

I need to hear those birds every morning.  I need them there to remind me that today is going to awesome.  I'm alive and that's a gift.  I don't need to sleep the day away.  I need to get up and start singing.  Start shouting.  Start playing.  Start living!  And I need to tell the world that new opportunities and new worms await!

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Try Again by Aaliyah

It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you without a dope beat to step to.

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

I have always loved this song.  Mainly because it's just a dope song with a dope Timbaland beat.  But as I grow older and wiser, I've been looking more at the message in the songs I like.  This is a great, classic message.  If at first you don't succeed, brush yourself off and try again.  Yes, this song is talking about a relationship because, you know, all popular songs have to talk about love.  But the hook and the message is still clear and can be applied to whatever you are trying to achieve.  Success takes hard work.  Everybody fails.  But the people who win are the ones who never give up.  So if you ever have a day where you are thinking about giving up, just hit play and listen.

Dust yourself off and try again.

Lost?  Not sure where to go next?

How To Find True Joy

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Name your vice.  We all have at least one.  And while some are cute and innocent, others create a huge burden and destroy lives.  And most vices keep us from experiencing true joy.  They steal it away and leave us feeling empty and drained.  There is only one way to find our way back to feeling true joy.

You get to a certain point in life where you have to weigh what's really important.  You need to take good care of yourself but at the same time not torture yourself.  You need to have little things you can look forward to throughout your day.  Some of these can be good for us like going for a walk, talking to a friend, reading a good book, etc.  But sometimes our little things can be unhealthy choices like smoking cigarettes, drinking to excess, or overeating.  All of which I have personally struggled with.  The "joy" that we get from these unhealthy vices is not real joy.  It's temporary comfort and it will only get us so far and then leave us with nothing.

When we spend all your time and energy focusing on these temporary comforts, they become our only source of happiness.  We've all experienced those days where all we want to do is have a cigarette or a drink or a Big Mac and it will make everything better.  We become so obsessed with obtaining our little comfort that we start to ignore all the things that could actually give us true joy.  What's worse, is these little vices usually steal away our energy to pursue the things that would bring us true joy.  For example, the things in my life that bring me true joy are achieving goals, getting in shape, spending time with family and friends and creating music.  When I sit at home and eat pizza and ice cream all day, this temporary comfort steals away my energy and motivation to do anything else.  I feel bloated, lethargic and gross.  Now, instead of pursuing those things that would bring me real joy, I only have the energy to watch Netflix and go to bed.

The real joy comes when we conquer our addictions and achieve our goals.  It comes from changing our bad behaviors and embracing new ones that will guide us to victory.  Losing 20 pounds, that's true joy.  Spending time with people who love you, that's true joy.  Pursuing your dream job, that's true joy.  I know when I start to feel miserable it's because I am spending all my energy on temporary comforts and I don't have enough things in my life that are feeding me real joy.

I know change is hard.  And breaking bad habits takes time.  But while you are working on that, make sure you have lots of "joy givers" in your life every day.  Go outside.  Go for a walk  See more sunsets and sunrises.  Go to more movies.  Go to more concerts and Broadway shows.  Get involved in community events.  Get a dog.  And give money to everyone who asks.  Give more.  Love more.  And go achieve your goals.  That’s where we find true joy.  And eventually, you will be so busy with these true joy giving activities, that you will eventually not have any time or energy left for the ones that steal it away.  And I don't know about you, but that would make me pretty darn happy!

Rainbow Connection by Kermit The Frog

Sometimes you just need to listen to a hopeful frog sing about rainbows.

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

Rainbow Connection.  It's a classic song that we all know but I think we often forget about how great of a song it is.  It's cute and funny to watch Kermit The Frog sing, but if you really listen to the song, it has a great message and a beautiful melody.  This is a song I keep coming back to time and time again.  And although it seems like a song for kids, the older I get, the more I appreciate it.  Over the years there have been many great artists who have recorded it, but nothing beats the original.

Someday we'll find it.  The rainbow connection.

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Human Beat Vol. 1 Is Here!

It's here!  Our second 10 Song Music Bed Pack titled Human Beat Vol. 1!

Human Beat Vol. 1 is a digital pack of 10 music beds using hip-hop style beat production along with melodies and harmonies that evoke in us all the emotions that make us human. This collection comes with an unlimited, non-exclusive license agreement. What does that mean? It means you can use these songs on your next video, podcast episode, or anything else you want and you can use it as much, as often and as long as you want! No limitations! 

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Meet Bar Napoli: A Theme Song Success Story

 
 

Bar Napoli is one of the premier nightclubs in St. Louis!  And now they have their own custom-made theme song that matches the atmosphere and the clientele perfectly!  Every Friday and Saturday night, you are sure to hear the DJ's spin the song "Napoli" - a crowd favorite! 

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Everybody's favorite bartender Han!

Everybody's favorite bartender Han!

Bar Napoli was established in 2003 as an addition to Cafe Napoli by sons Ande and Kye Pietoso. Starting out as a place for their friends to gather, it quickly became the neighborhood hangout. Since then, Bar Napoli has become a staple in the night scene where people from all over come to hang out.  With great drinks and great atmosphere, it has become known as THE place to see and be seen.  Looking around the room at Bar Napoli is like looking at a whos-who of St. Louis movers and shakers! 

Bar owner Kye Pietoso approached Soul Motivation Records stating "I think Bar Napoli needs its own song!"  And he was right.  After giving a few details that he wanted to be included in the song, we went to work.  The result was a song called, what else, "Napoli."  It's a dancehall, hip-hop inspired jam that has been packing the dance floor at Napoli ever since!  Every weekend night, the DJs play "Napoli" as the first song of the night and also as the closer at the end of the night.  Patrons began hitting the dance floor just because they liked the groove.  But after hearing it a few times, they began to understand that "this song is about Bar Napoli!  The place we are at right now!"

Take a listen:  Just hit the play button ===>

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The people have really been responding as Bar Napoli has now been getting a reputation as "That place that has its own dance song!"

A custom-made theme song has really set Napoli apart from the crowd.  It's created a lot of excitement as well as creating a stronger emotional bond with its customers.  Music has a way of touching us on a deeper level.  When you combine that with a great brand like Bar Napoli, you have a winning combination that will keep the people coming through the door!

If you think a custom-made theme song might be something you could use for your business, just click here and tell us what kind of song we can make for you!  You can also feel free to email us at cs@soulmotivationrecords.com for more information!

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Quicklook Preview: Human Beat Vol. 1

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Human Beat Vol. 1 is our second 10 Song Music Bed Pack and its coming out March 1, 2018!  10 tracks using hip-hop style beat production along with melodies and harmonies that evoke all the emotions that make us human!  Simple, one-time licensing and these songs are yours to use forever!  Royalty free.  No renewal fees.  No limitations.

What is a music bed?

A music bed, simply put, is a song.  It is typically an instrumental song, meaning no vocals.  Its sole purpose is to add ambiance or emotion to a video, a podcast episode, a video game, or wherever someone may have a need for background music.  A good music bed will add just the right amount of flavor without taking the attention away from the main event.

Who uses music beds?

Music beds are a must for anyone creating any type of media content.  Videographers, photographers, video game developers, YouTube creators, Instagram influencers, motivational speakers, and the list goes on and on.

What do the tracks on Human Beat Vol. 1 sound like?

The tracks on Human Beat Vol. 1 were produced in a hip-hop production style.  What does this mean?  It means the focus is on the beat.  Every track has a groove to it.  On top of these head-bobbing beats, are melodies and harmonies that bring out certain emotions in us.  Some are pretty, some are romantic, some are fun and full of energy.  But don't take our word for it, take a listen for yourself to these samples!

Ok, so how does this work?

It couldn't be more simple to purchase and license Human Beat Vol. 1!  Upon its release on March 1, 2018, all you have to do is purchase Human Beat Vol. 1 from our online store for $99.  We then email you a very simple licensing contract.  The contract states that you have full use of all 10 music beds.  That means you can use them in any way you see fit.  No limitations.  You can use them in one YouTube video or you can use them in a national ad campaign.  Go nuts!  The music beds are yours to use as you want.  And they are yours to use forever.  You will never have to pay a renewal fee.  Just sign the contract (you can do it electronically with about 3 mouse clicks) and email it back to us and you are all set!

I can't wait for you to get your hands on these unique music beds!  And I can't wait to see how you use the songs in your next project!  So get ready for Human Beat Vol. 1 - coming March 1, 2018!

P.S. What do you think of the samples?  Be sure to let us know in the comments!

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5 Things To Look For When Licensing Music

 
 
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Finding just the right music for your next YouTube video or podcast episode can be a super confusing undertaking.  From figuring out where to find the music to how the licensing works, it takes a lot of time and energy away from what you would probably rather be doing - working on your video or podcast!  I want to help make this process a little easier for you so I came up with 5 main things you want to look for when you are searching for music to license.

1.  Royalty Free

Make sure the music you license is royalty free.  What does this mean?  I wrote a blog post about it and you can read it here.  Basically, it means that you pay a licensing fee up front so that you don't have to pay royalties to the artists or songwriter every time someone plays your video and their song is played.  Most licensing websites are going to offer royalty free music, but it's something you need to double check before you purchase the use of a song.

2.  Simple Licensing

Music licensing can get super confusing.  Some licensing websites give you multiple options pending on how much you are going to use the song.  Sometimes it is hard to know this up front and so it's hard to know which option to choose.  Some sites make you renew your license every few years.  It is a lot of fine print to read through.  The best option is to go through a site that offers super, simple licensing that you can understand.  Ideally, you want to pay one time up front and that's it.

3.  Unique Music

Have you ever been watching a YouTube video and noticed you have heard lots of other YouTubers use the exact same music?  This happens all the time because most video creators use the same sites with the same songs.  If you want to stand out from the crowd, make sure you use a licensing site that offers unique music options that not everyone is using.

4.  No Credit Necessary

A lot of licensing sites will require you to credit the music somewhere in your video.  You will need to mention it at some point or at least put a credit in text at the end of your video.  This may not be a big deal for some, but your video time is valuable.  You shouldn't have to clutter or confuse things by adding a credit for the music.  The best licensing agreement will not require you to post any credits on your video.

5.  100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Any music licensing site worth anything will offer you a satisfaction guarantee.  This is just good business and something you should look for in any product or service you buy, especially online.  Whoever is providing you with music, should be confident enough in their work to offer you a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  And if they don't, be very cautious.  Many times this is a sign of a shady business.

So there you go - 5 things to look for when licensing music.  I hope this helps.  The biggest thing to remember is to be careful and do your homework.  Make sure you understand any licensing deal you are entering.  If you have any other questions about music licensing, feel free to leave a comment below.  I am always happy to help.  Happy musical hunting!

P.S.  Where do you find a licensing site that adheres to these standards?  Click Here!

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What Does "Royalty Free" Music Mean?

 
 
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"Royalty free music" seems to be the buzz word these days for anyone who has ever tried to make a YouTube video or even other kinds of media creations.  I mean, a YouTube video is a million times better with a little music in the background, right?  But you can't just use any music you want.  If you just use your favorite song off the radio, the YouTube police will be on you like a moth to a flame.  That's why you need music that you can use in your videos and keep the YTP at bay.  That's why you need royalty free music.

Now, "royalty free" does not mean "free of charge."  It means that you don't have to pay royalties to the artist or songwriters every time their song is played like most TV and radio stations have to do.  What you do have to do, is pay up front for a license to use the music.  Once you pay an agreed upon licensing fee, you now have the right to use the song in your video and no one is going to get mad at you or come asking for money.

Imagine going through the following scenario with your next Facebook Live video.  You prepare your material and make sure you know what you are going to talk about.  You have your favorite song cued up the play in the background to give it some ambiance.  Then you do the video and it goes great.  You say everything the way you want to say it.  There are a bunch of people leaving comments and liking your video.  You are killing it!  But when you go to post the video permanently on your profile page, Facebook not only doesn't allow you to post it, but they delete the whole thing because you didn't have the right to use the music!  All your hard work is gone.  All the perfect words you said are gone.  You have to do the whole thing over again and this time without the music.  That has happened to people I know and as you can imagine, it is incredibly frustrating.  The solution is buying a license to use someone's music royalty free.

But where do you get this royalty free music, you ask?

There are a number of websites out there now that license music.    My personal favorite, however, is Soul Motivation Records!  Ok, yes, I own the company. :)  But we are doing some really cool things with music licensing that will help you keep your costs down while making amazing videos!

At Soul Motivation Records, we offer Music Bed Packs that are royalty free and give you 10 unique songs of varying styles to use in your upcoming videos.  You pay a one time fee up front of $99 and then you can use all 10 songs as much as you want with no limitations and no renewals fees.  Pretty cool, huh?

I hope this answers your questions about how royalty free music works.  I know it's kind of confusing, but the main thing to remember is if you want to use music in your videos, be sure to be proactive and find a good royalty free solution.  It will save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.  If you are still confused, feel free to reach out anytime.  I am happy to help you navigate these confusing waters in any way I can.

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