Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
If you have an awesome routine or act, it deserves interesting music created specifically to enhance the presentation. I work with clients to provide music to fit their act and not the other way around.
You cannot legally use a copyrighted work in a public setting "whether said performance is compensated directly, indirectly, or being used in any way to further the performer's career."
Yes they do! Most music artists (certainly any that make money from their work) are represented by major performing rights organizations like ASCAP and BMI. Those companies protect the musician's interests and have recently gone after companies like cruise lines, restaurant chains and theme parks for using unlicensed music in their establishments. To this end, Carnival Cruise Lines will not allow music for its performers that do not have written permission to use on board. Furthermore, as of 2024, F.I.S.M. is prohibiting magicians to use music that is not original or accompanied by a licensing agreement.
Yes, it can be pretty cheap. There are some great musicians offering royalty free music and/or collections of music that comes with a performance license. This could be a viable option to consider. However, those same tracks are available to any performer that buys performance music that way. Do you really want somebody else to be able to use the same music as you because they bought the same package of songs? That is certainly something to keep in mind.
Well, I thought you would never ask! What I do is consult with you, see your performane, and create music that is specific to your liking. You do not have to alter your routine, change the timing or anything like that. My music will fit your act. Not the other way around. In the last 13 years, I have published more than 50 songs, worked on video game soundtracks and provided music for TV commercials. My music is heard all around the world and has been streamed several million times. You will get broadcast ready music that is unique to your act with a written license to perform for any size audience.
We will set up a meeting via Zoom and discuss your needs. I will need a video of your performance including any music you are currently using if applicable. I will come up with a few ideas (usually 30 - 45 seconds) and email for you to hear. If you like something, I can expand on it with your feedback. If I miss the mark, I'll go back to the drawing board and send you a few more ideas. If you're still not liking my ideas then I am probably not a good fit for you and no hard feelings. I'll take the risk that you will like what you hear.
The good news is that you pay nothing for the consultation. Additionally, if I do not come up with something you approve, there is no money out of your pocket. Again, I am assuming that risk. My pricing is simple. I charge $200 per one minute of music rounded up to the nearest minute. For example, your track is 2 minutes and 45 seconds. That would be billed at $600. If you're routine is more than 4 minutes, the additional minutes are billed at $150 each. I collect 50% up front and the balance is due when you have the finished product, which includes the licensing agreement.
They most certainly will, but not for the rest of 2024. This is a relatively new venture for me and I am trying to increase awareness, which is why I am offering this introductory pricing.
Wow....you are knocking it out of the park with some great questions! I do run a promo for members of Sleight School. This is an online community of magicians founded by David Williamson. If you are not a member already, you will see a link at the bottom of this page to check us out. You'll get a free 7 day trial with no obligation to join after that. If you like what you see, it is only $12 per month. You should at least check it out. I've known Dave for a couple of years through his site and he has always been very generous to allow me to promote my music. To that end, I offer a 20% discount to paying Sleight School members for any of my services. Now that's a great deal!
You can send an email to me at zumagmusic@gmail.com. If you are on Sleight School already, DM me through the site.