What are the buying options at Songbay?

At Songbay,  you can buy music and lyrics in a variety of ways and use them for a variety of different projects. Simply choose the buying option which is most suitable for your needs, and we take care of the rest.

Unlike other companies, our artists set their own fees for their work. We take no commission from buyers or sellers.

Here's a list of buying options and approximate guide prices:

• As a Download  - Allowing personal use only ($0.99-$2.50)

• As a Cover version License -Allowing other artists to make a cover version (re-recorded) version of a song or lyric  (9.1 cents per copy)

• As a Standard License -Allowing limited use of a song or lyric by another person/organization for a specific purpose ($75-$250)

• As an Extended License -As above, but allowing full commercial and advertising use $250-$400

• As a Copyright Exchange -All rights are transferred from Seller to Buyer. The buyer becomes the new owner of the song or lyric and can do with it as they wish ($200-$5000)

You can also contact our artists directly to discuss specific composing requests or collaboration projects. Use the email links on each artist page or the live chat function from your user area.

How to Buy Music and Lyrics at Songbay

1. Use our powerful search functions to find something suitable.
2. You can search by style or keywords.
3. Use the preview buttons to listen to songs / read lyrics.
4. Select the 'Purchase' option displayed next to the Song or Lyric.
5. Choose a suitable buying option. These are clearly displayed with each song or Lyric and vary from a simple digital download to an entire copyright purchase. The prices are clearly displayed for each buying option.
6.  Follow the simple step by step instructions, complete the checkout process then download your chosen song or lyric. You will also receive a completed contract to keep for your records.

• You can also contact artists directly using the live chat function in your user dashboard or from the contact form on each artist's page. You may wish to discuss a specific writing request or have a collaboration proposal. You will need to register in order to do so, which is free

Average Prices and Buying Options

At Songbay,  you can buy music and lyrics in a variety of ways and use them for a variety of different projects. Simply choose the buying option which is most suitable for your needs, and we take care of the rest.

Unlike other companies, our artists set their own fees for their work. We take no commission from buyers or sellers.

Here's an approximate guide of our buying options and prices:

• As a Download -Allowing personal use only  ($0.99-$1.99)
• As a Cover version License -Allowing other artists to make a cover version (re-recorded) version of a song or lyric  (9.1 cents per copy)
• As a Standard License -Allowing limited use of a song or lyric by another person/organization for a specific purpose  ($75-$250)
• As an Extended License -As above, but allowing full commercial and advertising use  ($250-$400)
• As a Copyright Exchange -All rights are transferred from Seller to Buyer. The buyer becomes the new owner of the song or lyric  ($200-$5000)

You can also contact our artists directly to discuss specific composing requests or collaboration projects. Use the email links on each artist page or the live chat function from your user area.

Yes, providing the artist has chosen to use the 'Copyright Exchange' selling option. There are several different selling/purchase options at Songbay. If the artist has chosen to offer this option, the 'copyright' purchase option will be displayed along with all the other purchase options (with an explanation of each) next to each song or lyric. Simply select whichever option you require, in this case, the copyright, and follow the instructions.

Yes this is becoming increasingly popular at Songbay. Although not always mentioned in the artist's profile, many are offering ghostwriting services. It's best to contact any artists you consider suitable using the contact links provided and discuss your requirements with them.

Copyright Exchange Process

Entering into a Copyright Exchange agreement is a big commitment, since all rights of the song or lyric are transferred from seller to buyer. As such, we need to be absolutely certain of all transaction and user details before finalising the sale and drawing up contracts. For copyright exchange sales, the procedure is as follows.

1. The buyer deposits funds. These are held securely in our Paypal holding account. The transaction receives a 'Pending' status.
2. Intention to continue with the agreement is requested and confirmed by seller and buyer.
3. Seller and buyer Identification checks are carried out.
4. Specific financial checks are carried out with regards to the transaction.
5. We draw up the contract and issue a copy to both parties, as well as the relevant download links to the buyer (the new owner).

How to request a bespoke custom-written original song?

This is very popular at Songbay. The best approach would be to search for suitable artists writing in your chosen style, then contact them directly to discuss.

You may use the search and live chat features from your user dashboard or the direct contact links on the artist's page.

Please feel free to contact the artist directly using the live chat feature from your user dashboard or from the contact links on the artist's page.

With the exception of Copyright Exchange sales (where additional checks are required), the process is normally instantaneous. Upon payment,  simply go to your user area and choose the option: 'My Sales/Purchases'. From here, you can download your song or lyric plus a fully completed contract.

We accept all language submissions and Hindi songs are very much on the increase at Songbay. English, and other European languages are still the most popular with buyers.

You should choose our 'Single Use License'.

With the exception of copyright exchanges, all sales through Songbay take place on a 'non exclusive' basis. This means the composer or lyricist retains all rights  to their work.

How do I receive a purchased lyric or song?

On purchasing a song or lyric at Songbay, choose the option 'My Sales/Purchases' from your user dashboard. You will then be able to download your chosen song (in high-quality MP3 format) or lyric, along with a completed contract.

Please note, we do not provide individual tracks or stems to songs. If you do require these, you may contact the artist directly to discuss (using the direct contact links on the artist's Songbay page).

From your user area, select the option 'Sales/Purchases'. From here you will be able to download and receive a completed contract.

From your user area, select the option 'Sales/Purchases'. From here you will be able to download and receive a completed contract.

Yes. You would need to purchase a 'Derivative-Use-License'. You may then re-record it or re-arrange it,  or re-mix it, or re-score for different vocalists or instruments. If a lyric, you may edit it and combine with audio content to make a complete song. A great buyer benefit of derivative license is that it also  grants you an equal share of gross income from any CD or Download sales accruing worldwide from use of the derivative version (on a 50%/50% buyer/seller basis)!

Yes. absolutely. The lyric would still be owned by the seller (lyricist) who would be entitled to a share of the royalties. For full details of the royalty share, please see the question: Can I see the full details of your licenses and contracts?

We can only provide the audio/ lyric content which has been uploaded by the artist (displayed publicly on our site).

Many of our artists are happy to provide individual tracks/ stems/ lyric sheets and mastered mixes for copyright purchases. It's best to check with the artist directly to see which multi track options are available. You can use the live chat and contact links provided in your user area or on the artist's page to do this.

Can I see full details of your contracts between buyer/seller?
Yes, Please see: https://www.songbay.co/license-examples/

"I want to purchase the entire copyright to a song or lyric but can't see this purchase option available."

Many of our artists offer both licensing and copyright purchases of their songs and lyrics, although some only offer digital downloads and licensing. All purchasing and pricing options are listed next to each song and lyric. If a copyright purchase option is not displayed, you can always try contacting the artist directly to discuss this with them (using the contact links provided in your user area and on the artist's page).

How does the exchange of contracts take place when I buy music or lyrics at Songbay?

On receipt of funds and additional identification checks (required for Copyright Exchange sales only), both buyer and seller are issued with a completed contract and the buyer is given a download link to the song or lyric.

The song or lyric can then be used in accordance with the terms of the license agreement. We do not take any percentage of sale fees or broadcast/performance royalties.

We draw up the contract between Seller and Buyer for the convenience of both parties and without charge. If either party prefer, they can request and use their own contracts.

Not at this time although it is an option that we are looking to introduce . In the meantime we recommend using a simple online currency converter to help you, such as  'XE Currency converter' http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

Average Prices and Buying Options

At Songbay,  you can buy music and lyrics in a variety of ways and use them for a variety of different projects. Simply choose the buying option which is most suitable for your needs, and we take care of the rest.

Unlike other companies, our artists set their own fees for their work. We take no commission from buyers or sellers.

Here's an approximate guide of our buying options and prices:

• As a Download   (Allowing personal use only). $0.99-$1.99
• As a Cover version License  (Allowing other artists to make a cover version (re-recorded) version of a song or lyric).  9.4 cents per copy
• As a Standard License  (Allowing limited use of a song or lyric by another person/organization for a specific purpose). $75-$250
• As an Extended License  (As above, but allowing full commercial and advertising use). $250-$400
• As a Copyright Exchange   (All rights are transferred from Seller to Buyer. The buyer becomes the new owner of the song or lyric and can do with it as they wish). $200-$5000

You can also contact our artists directly to discuss specific composing requests or collaboration projects. Use the email links on each artist page or the live chat function from your user area.

How much does it cost to join?
It is entirely free to join and search the Songbay song and lyric library. Once registered, you may also contact our artists directly.

If you can't find a suitable original song or lyric or have a specific songwriting request please contact us at [email protected]

Do I have to pay to search or contact artists?
No, we provide this service free of charge. Once registered, you can use the contact link on the artist's page or the live chat function from your user dashboard. You may wish to discuss a collaboration project or have a specific songwriting request in mind.