Frequently Asked Questions
(Last updated August, 2011)
Questions about:
Song Central in general...
Who is able to access the songs on Song Central?
Registered Industry users (only) can search and play songs which have been submitted to Showcase. However, they are not able to search or sample songs that are in the Repository (only).
Industry users can come from a wide range of industries that include: music, film, radio, television, advertising, education, choirs, events, games, theatre and corporates.
How is Song Central different to public sites such as MySpace, YouTube etc.?
Public sites such as MySpace, YouTube etc. provide great platforms for the performance of songs, bands, entertainers etc. Song Central's focus is SONGs (only) and the ability for potential interested parties to listen to DEMOs of songs (rather than the performance). The above are sites for the public. Song Central is an industry site (where only registered industry users are able to access the material).
Why would an industry user use Song Central to source new material rather than the public (or more performance-based) public sites?
Song Central provides them with another option to source new material and songwriting talent. It provides them with efficient and useful criteria-based searching tools so they can tailor their searching for new material in line with their current projects ie they can search for new material without having to know anyone's name (or any song-names) before they start their searching.
How well produced do song DEMOs have to be on Song Central?
If your song(s) is/are in a finished format that is fine. If, however, your song is in a demo format then there are a few simple recommendations:
- make sure you find the ''best vocals'' for your song (if you aren't a good singer or don't have the right voice for a particular style of song - then don't sing it!)
- if you are a producer (or can afford to use a professional producer) then produce the best production of the song
- if you are not a professional producer (or not able to afford to use the services of a professional producer) then keep the demo simple (one instrument - don't clutter the accompaniment) but, most importantly, use the best possible vocals
What file format should my demo be in to upload to Song Central?
Song Central can only accept MP3-128mbps file format. Any other format will not be accepted and will not play on the site. If you are unsure about file formats or are having problems converting files - contact Song Central staff as they can help you.
What are MP3 files?
MP3 files are compressed audio files. If you would like to know more about MP3 files, we suggest you visit the following sites:
How Stuff Works - http://www.howstuffworks.com/mp3.htm
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/mp3
How are songs classified on Song Central?
Songs and music are classified by genre, sub-genre, song: subject, description, suitability for male or female or either vocalist, time signature, whether it suits harmonies etc. etc.
Can lyrics (only) be submitted to Song Central?
Yes, lyrics (only) material can be submitted where there is no mp3 file
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Song Central for Songwriters, music composers and lyricists
If I submit my material to Song Central do I lose any control or rights over my material?
Absolutely not. Song Central has no part in any outcomes for your material on its platform nor does it seek any ownership of your rights. You negotiate your own outcomes (and/or seek professional assistance) with the industry user. Song Central remains an independent platform for the showcase of your songs/music.
What if I am already a professional songwriter? What can Song Central offer me?
If you are already making a living from your songs/music then Song Central could expand your existing networks (where you are currently known). We have many professional songwriters who have found opportunities outside or beyond their existing networks - where their songs have been considered by industry users in other networks and industries etc.
If I am a professional songwriter is there anything that identifies my status as 'professional' on Song Central?
Yes, if you classify as a professional songwriter or composer, then your material have a ''P'' appear in search results lists etc.
What does the ''P'' mean?
Material that appears with a ''P'' means this song / music has either:
- been submitted by a professional songwriter / musician or
- won (or reached finalist status) in a known songwriting competition or
- been co-written with a professional songwriter or composer or
- been deemed to have ''commercial potential'' following a song review on Song Central
How do I submit Lyrics (only) material?
You select Submit Song from the left menu panel and follow the same process as as any songwriter/musician submitting material except you skip the MP3 upload section and go straight to the lyrics entry section of the song submission.
Can I listen to my own songs on Song Central?
Yes - you are able to play-back your songs by selecting the blue link (name of your song/s) from your home page when logged in
Can other songwriters listen to my songs?
No. Only you can play your songs. If your songs are in showcase then the site's registered Industry Users are able to find and play your songs. However, professional singer/songwriters/musicians (who qualify for industry user access) are able to find and play your songs.
What happens if an Industry user listens to my song and likes it?
When an industry user listens to your song/music they are able to view your BIO information (provided during your membership with Song Central) along with a link to your email address. If they are interested in your song/music or lyrics for potential ''use'' or ''adaptation for use'' then they will contact you directly via email.
How do I select the right Genre classification for my song(s) ?
The most important thing is to select the closest primary genre to your song. During song submission you will be provided with options for primary genre classification and (from that) a number of sub-genre options. If you are unsure what primary genre your song belongs in - you can contact Song Central staff for some assistance.
How do I submit my songs to showcase?
Once you have completed the upload of your song(s) to the Repository, you then have the option to ''showcase'' one or all your song(s) at any time. To do this you select your song (blue link) in your home page (and select again in the grid that appears) then select SHOWCASE - which is an option that highlights in bottom row of grid.
You need 6 tokens to showcase a song - so if you already have enough tokens (see your token balance) then you just SUBMIT. If, however you need to purchase some tokens to showcase a song then you will be requested to do so at this point. See showcase and tokens for more information about this process...
How can I see what industry users have registered to use Song Central?
The majority of registered industry users are listed on the whoslooking page accessed by main menu (above). However, this page relies on regular updates as new industry users can register at any time...
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Industry briefs (or Tenders) on Song Central
What is an industry brief or Tender?
It is a brief that has been submitted by an industry user who has a requirement for song(s) and/or music for a particular project (eg artist doing an album, film, publisher of CD/book music program for schools, artist looking for new songs, A&R / manager looking for new songs for an artist/ professional songwriter looking for new material to co-write / advertisor looking for new jingle / production house looking for new material and composing talent / etc. etc.
What is involved with submitting material in response to an industry Tender?
Only songwriter/composer members of Song Central are able to respond to particular briefs published via its site. Only showcased songs (that are appropriate responses to the brief) are eligible to be submitted in response. There are no charges attached to submitting material in response to Tenders. Songs submitted in response to a Tender must relevent in terms of the criteria (ie a country rock song that suits a male artist shoud NOT be submitted in response to a request for a Country pop song to suit a female artist).
What does it mean if my song has been ''short-listed'' in a Tender?
If your song has been short-listed in a tender it means that the industry user has advised Song Central that your song is currently of interest to the Industry user. It does not mean they have made a final decision (as often many people are involved in final decisions) but, currently they are considering your song(s) in relation to their particular need. The temptation maybe for you to want to contact them to find out what you can do to the song to make it more appropriate for their purposes but they will not wish to hear from you. If they are interested in using your song they will contact you and, at that point, they will discuss options for making changes (should this be required).
Why does an industry user not wish to hear from songwriters directly?
In short, because there are many many more songwriters than there are industry users and commercial opportunities. If industry users were to deal directly with songwriters they can potentially be contacted by 1000s.... and it is their wish to limit this as much as possible as it take up far too much of their time. Accessing material and talent from such a large group requires them to do so at an ''arms distance'' and to only deal with songwriters - once they have a reason to do so (ie they wish to use a song of yours).
What does it mean if my song has been selected in a Tender?
It means the industry user wishes to use your song for their commercial purpose and will be in touch with you directly to discuss their interest in using your material.
Does every Tender on Song Central result in song/s being selected?
No. Industry users seeking new music have many existing sources for music. Song Central provides them with a new source and gives them access to a new (much wider talent pool) than they were able to access previously. However, their options for music selection are not limited to just Song Central and, as they are in the business of finding new material to suit a particular commercial purpose - they will seek to find it wherever they can.
What is the point of submitting songs to a Tender if the industry user does not have to make a selection from Song Central?
If you have a song/music that is appropriate (to an industrybrief) and you wish it to be given consideration for a particular commercial purpose, then a Song Central tender will give your song that opportunity (that it otherwise would not have).
Is it possible to get feedback from Tenders about how appropriate my song is (or isn't) ?
It is very unlikely that feedback will be given. Industry users are busy, time-poor and focused on solving their immediate problems in other words, they are not in the business of helping or providing feedback for songwriters.
Does this seem unfair? Read on...
If you were to think of the metaphor of a public library: when you visit a library looking for a book on a particular subject to help you solve a problem you often do a lot of browsing before you find a few books that could be of interest (but require further viewing)... Then... you look more closely at your shortlist of books and (perhaps) you might find what you need. Now, imagine, if you were obliged to provide feedback (in writing) to each and every author of each and every book you picked up in the course of finding your shortlist or making a selection etc. It would take up far too much of your time and provide you no benefit - so ultimately, you would not bother looking in the first place.
How do I know if my song(s) has been selected?
If your song has been selected the industry user will be in contact with you directly via email.
What sorts of outcomes have been achieved by submitting songs to Song Central?
There have been a number of outcomes and some of these are outlined in the ''news'' page on the site. Songs have been found in random searches by industry users as well as been selected in Tenders. However, industry users contact songwriters directly so we don't always get to hear about connections and results on our site.
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Song Central for Industry Users
What can Song Central offer an Industry user?
Song Central provides industry users with a range of options to conduct searches for songs, music and/or lyrics (only) as well as the facility to submit briefs outlining specific requirements for new material according to their needs (commercial projects). Industry users are able to track new songs according to genre/sub-genre/songwriter/subject etc. via email-based alerts and can save named shortlists of songs they consider potentially useful for multiple projects.
How do I become an Industry user?
It is easy - just select the link to request to become an industry user from the industry page and complete some details providing Song Central with information about you, your company and/or your commercial requirements for new songs/music. Song Central will then get in touch with you directly to complete the registration.
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Song Central - membership, song showcasing etc.
How much does it cost to become a songwriter/composer member?
Membership fees start from a base level of $30 (with showcasing for 1 song for one year) and range up to $240 (with showcasing for 12 songs for one year). If you wish to showcase more than 12 songs you can contact Song Central staff directly who will discuss a bulk showcasing options depending on your needs. Have a look at the songwriter page for more information about being a member.
How much does it cost to showcase a song?
Song Showcasing is based on $30 per year. Song showcasing is included in all membership options (with more song showcases the higher your membership level). However, in all case should extra songs require showcasing - songwriters can purchase extra tokens as and when required.
What does showcasing songs mean?
When a song is put into showcase it is able to be found in a random search by an industry user and played. If a song is not in showcase (and just in the repository) then only the songwriter can play the song. Songs MUST be in showcase in order to be submitted in response to an appropriate Tender opportunity.
Songs remain in showcase for a year and, in that time, can be found in any number of random searches as well as submitted to any number of appropriate Tenders published on the site.
If I have a song in 'repository only' - am I able to submit it to a Tender?
No, only songs in the showcase database will be able to be submitted in response to an industry tender or brief.
Why have a Repository if it means my song(s) is/are uploaded but not showcasing?
Because, apart from the song marketing opportunities provided by showcasing (and tenders etc.), Song Central provides other services for songwriters that don't require songs to be in showcase first eg song reviews, access to song competitions etc. Having the repository as an option itself just creates options for songwriters with their uploaded songs. Some people like to upload their songs first and then make decisions about which and when they are showcased, submitted to comps or reviews etc. The repository option is free (upon membership).
How do I know which songs I should showcase?
Song Central recommend songwriter/composers select and showcase their best songs (and best demos) to showcase. Invest $30 marketing song/s you think have the best commercial potential.
How does Song Central define a professional songwriter / composer?
A professional songwriter/composer is someone who:
- derives his/her major source of income from writing songs and/or
- has (or has had) songs released commercially on album(s) by a record label or in a film or other
How do I pay for membership?
Membership subscription payment is facilitated via PayPal (a secure third party e-payment service provider). Songwriter/composers select a membership level and sign up for annual subscription payments that are facilitated by PayPal each year. For those not able to use PayPal or online credit just contact Song Central staff who will enable payments via Direct Deposit or (EFT).
Does membership include showcasing?
Yes, your membership level will include the appropriate number of $5 Tokens that you can use to showcase your songs (as per your membership level). Should you wish to showcase more songs than your membership has provided for - you simply purchase more tokens to the value of $30 per song.
What are Song Central Tokens?
Song Central Tokens have a value equivalent to $5. The tokens can be used to pay for services on Song Central that include song showcasing and song reviews.
How do I pay to showcase my song(s)?
The site requires 6 x $5 Tokens to showcase one song. If you need to showcase a song and don't have enough tokens you can purchase them via PayPal on the site.
What should I do if I want to upgrade my membership (during the year)?
The easiest thing to do is to contact Song Central and discuss the options available
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Song Reviews
How do I request a review?
If you wish to submit your song for a review: (1) click on your song and (2) select song in song grid (options will highlight) (3) click 'Review' and you will be taken to PayPal to pay for the service.
Once you have requested and paid for your review Song Central staff will endeavour to assign it asap to an appropriate reviewer. Once the review is completed you will receive notification and be forwarded the necessary information.
Songs on Song Central are reviewed by professional songwriters/musicians who are paid to conduct the song reviews. If, in the opinion of the reviewer, the song is 'deemed' to have commercial potential' the song will be provided with a ''P'' in showcase.
Who reviews my songs?
Song Central selects its reviewers carefully. Reviewers are songwriting and music professionals who are committed to the art of songwriting and composing. Song Central will seek to match your song for review with a professional who understands the genre of your song.
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Collaboration - the online Noticeboard
What is the noticeboard?
It is never easy to find collaborative partners - a musician, a lyricist or another songwriter. Song Central is committed to providing and enhancing opportunities to enable this process to happen. In the meantime, the site has an online noticeboard that is FREE for songwriter/composer members to post requests for collaborators that could be: a banjo player in their local area to help with a demo OR a lyricist OR a vocalist OR musician! Members can post requests by first contacting sue@songcentral.com.au who will publish the request on the Noticeboard for all to see.
Can others advertise their services on the noticeboard?
Yes, other members (and/or non-members) can advertise services that could be useful for songwriters via this noticeboard. There is a nominal fee associated with posting advertisements - all enquiries regarding advertising via the noticeboard to sue@songcentral.com.au.
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Technical queries
www.songcentral.com.au is hosted in a secure web hosting environment with an organisation who provide industry best practise security and file access. The Site and data are behind an Internet Firewall that manages access to the server and data that is password protected. All music files are “streamed” to registered industry users on-demand. Music files are not downloaded. Whilst 100% security cannot be guaranteed, the risks are similar to having your songs/music played over the radio.
Whilst Song Central can’t be held responsible for any incident that could lead to unauthorised use of information and material held on its system, it takes all care to ensure that such risks are minimised. Song Central recommends all users to seek their own legal advice regarding the risks they take exposing their intellectual property in the context of this online marketplace. It also is important that all songwriters/composers understand the protection offered by existing (and any future) Copyright laws. We recommend you obtain independent advice or contact organisations like APRA for further information.
Do Industry users download my songs to their computers?
All music on Song Central is streamed-on-demand to users. There is no requirement for the songs to be downloaded.
How long can a song be?
Most songs are 3-4 minutes.
If I need the Flashplayer plugin - where will I find it?
You can download the Flashplayer plugin from http://www.adobe.com for free and it downloads in seconds.
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Song Competitions
What is Song Central's online song competition platform?
Song Central have developed a platform capable of hosting songwriting competitions completely online. The solution is capable of providing the following services for participants involved in the competition:
- the online submission and payment for all entrants
- ability for the song competition administrator to manage and control all areas of the competition online via the web
- song competition administrators to assign judges at a ''click''
- judges to play songs and view lyrics online and provide online feedback/scoring/ranking/comments etc.
- songwriters to login and view/print any judges' feedback online
How does the song competition platform get used?
Songwriting associations who host songwriting competitions use the platform. Some use it to manage the online submission and payment (only) of their competition and others use it for the full judging, results management and songwriter feedback functions. It is up to the individual competition host what services are provided by the platform for their particular competition. Song Central is not the host of the songwriting competitions, it is the provider of the online platform for competition hosts to run their own unique and individual competitions.
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