What are the styles of music in your library?
MAINSTREAM SOURCE produces high-quality music in virtually every genre including Singer/Songwriter, Blues, Rock, Classical, Rap, Jazz, World Music, Solo Instruments, Christmas, R&B, Country, Big Band and more. Our library contains thousands of tracks to meet every musical need.
Is MAINSTREAM SOURCE available as a buyout collection?
Not in the classic sense; actually MAINSTREAM SOURCE is a top-quality library which licenses on an annual blanket license to selected clients, or on a per-use (needledrop) basis. Our pricing structure is excellent and highly competitive.
How do I go about licensing a song for a needledrop usage?
Most of our clients license music regularly through us in a number of different ways. You can secure a usage by email. You can prepare to license by either using our online form or by downloading a license application. You can also call or fax us to license a usage.
How do I go about securing an annual blanket license?
A production blanket license is a great way to use an unlimited quantity of music from our collection for a specific production. The fee for use of the music is based upon the total length of the production. Blanket licenses are issued generally to local radio and TV broadcasters as well as to specific productions. Foreign broadcasters (outside of Canada and the United States) may also be eligible for an annual blanket license. We offer extremely competitive quotes. Generally, all other clients will use our standard per-use (needledrop) rates.
What happens when I have a blanket license on your library, and you’ve added new material to the library since I set up my original blanket license?
MAINSTREAM SOURCE can add any new material to your agreement at your request. We will send you CDs of new production music in advance at your request in order for you to preview new material.
How do you format your catalog for delivery?
We offer multiple tracks in full and alternative mixes on most of our material. Most of our material is available for surround-sound mixing in 3.1, 5.1 or 6.1 formats. We deliver by download from our FTP site, FedEx or courier. Our catalog is available in stereo mixes as .aiff files, 24-bit .wav files and highest quality mp3s. For our blanket license customers and high-usage clients, we also offer our complete catalog on hard drive in multiple formats.
What makes your music sound better than other libraries?
MAINSTREAM SOURCE prides itself on using the finest bit-rates and digitally mixing and mastering the bulk of our material. Our music is created using top A/D conversion rates. Our Artist’s Series material is digitally re-mastered to bring out frequencies not previously available. Most of our production music was recorded using live instruments and legendary artists / top studio musicians.
Do I need a license from ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, or another performing-rights organization?
It is the broadcasters responsibility to obtain current licenses with ASCAP/BMI/SESAC, or with their counterparts outside the United States. Broadcasters not licensed through a performance-rights society will need to obtain clearance of performance rights directly through MAINSTREAM SOURCE. A license is only necessary if you are the broadcaster or venue which is actually performing the music for the public. Public performance venues include theatres, stadiums & arenas, restaurants and bars, malls, hotels, broadcasters (Television and Radio), music-on-hold, etc.
What if I already have a performance license from ASCAP/BMI/SESAC? Do I still need an annual blanket license or a needledrop license?
Yes, the music library or publisher is the clearing house for the material and requires a unique and separate license which will give you the right to synchronize the music with other audio or video. This is separate from any performance license you may need from ASCAP or BMI.
If I revise the voiceover or video in a track of which I already have a needledrop license, do I need to re-license the track? What if I add instruments or vocals to your track?
In most cases, a modified track does need to be re-licensed. Revisions into a new format generally do require a new license. If you choose to change a composition by adding instruments or vocals, MAINSTREAM SOURCE must grant written approval to the changes before it is used. We retain all rights to the original composition. Generally, it is not a problem to do so. Just make sure to get our approval before using the revised track.
How do I go about finding music for my project?
MAINSTREAM SOURCE provides a sophisticated search engine on our website which allows any user to preview 15-20sec snippets of every track available, including alternative mixes. We also provide custom composition using our modern digital recording facilities to create any specific track you need that may not already be available. MAINSTREAM SOURCE composers are capable and available 24/7 to create any new music on time and on deadline.
I am reporting a usage. How is the license issued to me?
We will generate an invoice or receipt for payment which contains all the information from your license application. Your license will be attached to the invoice or receipt.
What if the track I like isn’t long enough or needs editing?
MAINSTREAM SOURCE editors will create custom mixes and lengths of all tracks for your convenience. We also provide alternative mixes and stems of most of our material. MAINSTREAM SOURCE editors have been careful to match the mastering quality of our full mixes with their instrumental or alternative counterparts in order to streamline seamless editing.
What if I use a Public Domain song from your library? Do I still have to license it?
Yes, these recordings are specific arrangements of Public Domain songs, belonging to the composers and publishers who created the arrangement. A master/synch license is required as in all other tracks within the collection.
My business is outside of the United States. How do I license music from your catalog?
MAINSTREAM SOURCE will license any music directly to sources within the United States and Canada. If your company is located outside of the US/CANADA, we will place you with a representative in your country who is able to handle licensing for you.
What is a needledrop usage?
“Needledrop” or “Laserdrop” usages are considered to be the full or partial usage of a track from our catalog, generally a music track within a production. Every time the music starts and stops, it is considered a separate usage. For instance, if you use the same 15-second clip twice within your production, it is considered to be two separate 15-second usages.
When do I report the music I have used in a production?
Please report music as soon as possible after your production has wrapped and been approved.
What do I do if I’m on a needledrop agreement for a song and I want to use that same cut for multiple productions?
We may determine that a tag agreement or theme agreement applies, and the license can be modified as such.
What do I do if I have a needledrop or per-usage agreement and I want to convert it to a blanket license, or vice-versa?
No problem, just let us know and we will work with you to meet your business needs.
I’m looking for a specific style of music and can’t yet find it in your collection.
If our search engine isn’t accommodating your needs, call us for suggestions, and if we still don’t have what you need, we’ll create it!