How much does clearing a hit song typically cost?
Great question! Typically, the cost of licensing a hit song is expensive. Clearing a hit song involves gaining approval and a quote from the Master and Publishing owners. If approval to use the song is granted by all of the rights owners then the price is determined based on the popularity and reach of the song.
Often, when a client decides to license a famous song they also want that license to be exclusive. This is another driving factor informing the quote. The typical license fees for a famous song land within the range of $100,000 USD - $350,000 USD per side.
Said another way, the all-in fees are between $200,000 - $700,000 USD.
How long does this process take?
Due to the frequency with which we clear known songs and the industry network that we have established amongst master and publishing owners we can usually receive approval and a quote for the use of any song in two weeks or less. However, this only works when our clients provide the necessary project details, project budget, contextual use, distribution plans and terms in a timely fashion.
Does how I use the song affect pricing?
The details of the project and the context of the use make a difference when seeking approval and a quote for the use of a known song. Just like any business - the larger the end client, project budget and scope of distribution - the larger the quote fee.
Are there additional fees that could come along with licensing a known song?
Yes. Often times, famous songs are initially performed by famous artists or those that have sense become famous and have performed on TV. In these instances an additional SAG Fee may be added to the all-in quote.
There are also instances, in which, the artist that performed the original version of the song you are interested in using has passed away. In these instances, there is often an additional estate fee added to the all-in quote.
Can I redline the agreements that come with licensing a known song?
The short answer is "no". When you seek approval to use a famous song from the Master and Publishing owners you are not entitled to redline their License Terms and Use Agreements because they are granting you the right to use the song and they don't negotiate the language in their agreements.