Enjoying what you’ve heard? Interested in using some of my songs in a project you’re working on? Here’s all the info you need.
THE BASICS
All of the songs on my albums are written and performed by me, Chris Zabriskie, and published by my publishing company, You’ve Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP).
They are free for you to download, enjoy, and share with others under a Creative Commons Attribution license.
This license includes permission for free usage in both commercial and noncommercial projects of any kind as long as credit is given in the final product.
The credit can be as simple as “Music by Chris Zabriskie” or “(insert song title) by Chris Zabriskie.” I prefer that the credit be included in the work itself (for example, on screen in a video rather than only in the description text). But as long as my name is associated with my work in the final version of the project, you’re welcome to use my songs free of charge.
DONATIONS
Even though I freely share my work, many filmmakers and other artists do elect to pay for licensing and usage of my songs. I’ll never pressure you to do so, but I accept and appreciate “donations” of any amount. Get in touch if you’re interested in contributing.
USAGE WITHOUT CREDIT
If you need to use a song without providing credit, or if you need me to do any remixing, re-recording, or editing of an existing work, please contact me directly to discuss your needs and pricing.
WRITTEN LICENSES
If your film or video is broadcast on television or distributed via Netflix or Amazon, you will most likely find yourself in need of a synchronization license for each song used in the project. And most film festivals require a festival use license whether your music is Creative Commons licensed or not.
So if you are in need of a printed and signed license or permission form for festivals, broadcast, manufacturing, or anyone else, I am happy to provide one for a very small fee. If you’ve donated any amount for a song’s usage in your project, a written license is always free.
YOUTUBE COPYRIGHT CLAIMS
If you’ve used one of my songs in a YouTube video and you receive a copyright notification or claim regarding the song, it did not come from me. I will never request a video be taken down, nor do I place advertisements on videos that contain my songs. If you have received a copyright notification or strike on your account after using one of my songs, or if you notice ads on your video that you did not place there yourself, please get in touch with me immediately and we’ll get it taken care of.
It doesn’t happen very often, but YouTube’s copyright policies are such that sometimes mistakes get made. I wrote a blog post here on the site explaining the issues with YouTube in more detail.
ORIGINAL SONGS AND SCORES
Interested in original work for your film, television program, video game, podcast, or anything else? I’d love to talk with you about your project. My schedule is usually pretty full, but I love working with cool people and taking on interesting projects of any budget.
Music licensing is usually a total nightmare, and working with a composer often isn’t any easier. I aim to make the whole process as painless and straightforward as possible. I’m very laid back and will be happy to help you however I can. If you have any questions at all, please email me anytime.
