Finding tracks online
On the Web you can find sites that provide music for free download, but that doesn't mean permission has been given to use the music in your movie. Most of these sites provide the music for personal listening, but are still protected under copyright law from making "derivative works."
However, there are also sites that provide some free material and grant use of it for events such as iMovieFest. The way to find out what you can do with the music from a Web site is to look for a page called "Terms of Use." Often the permissions the authors have granted you will be spelled out there.
If you use music from a site that grants permission on a "Terms of Use" page, crediting the site in your movie is sufficient documentation that you have their permission.
Our list of sites
To get you started, here are a few sites that we have run into which provide either licensed music or some kind of connection to the artist so you can email them and ask for permission. Remember to check the terms of use or license page to see what you can do with your downloaded music.
- Freeplay Music allows you to use anything from their library as long as you include the credit "Music provided by www.freeplaymusic.com" in your movie.
- Pristine Audio has some freely-downloadable tracks that are also copyright-free. The files are restored copies of vintage recordings. If you're looking for an authentic old-time sound, start here.
- Creative Commons has a search engine and directory for finding music licensed under various Creative Commons licenses, which authorize certain uses.
- 3hive provides links to freely-downloadable MP3s from independent labels and artists. Terms of use still must be obtained from labels/artists.
- Epitonic provides free downloads from "independent and underground artists from all over the world." Still have to contact the artists for permission.
iMovieFest is produced by the student staff of Residential Technology Services