Macworld Conference & Expo Boston 2005: Podcasting For The Masses - Music

The use of music in podcasts is an undeniable plus. As a production value tool, music can make your podcast sound professional and help establish show's identity. However, the use...any use...of commercial music remains an evolving area.

As of this writing, the RIAA has taken the position that no commercial music can be played on podcasts, even though BMI and ASCAP have sold some webscasting licenses to podcasters. Some podcasters are simply ignoring the issue and playing what they want and others have taken the position that, if they have personally contacted the artist and the artist approved, they have permission. Some Steve Jobs has stated that Apple secured an agreement with the commercial music publishers that clips of commercial music, up to 30 seconds, can be legally played on podcasts. Who's right? Who knows, but given the RIAA's history of selecting small casts to make examples of and create case law, it would seem logical to stay away until the dust clears.

However, there are plenty of options out there to obtain, play and use "podsafe" music for your production.

First, consider using Apple's GarageBand to create your own. All the loops provided with GarageBand and in the JamPacks can be used to create royalty free music; if you've got any musical talent, then by all means, compose something original.

If you want something ready to play, log in to your .Mac account and look in the Software -> Members Only -> Freeplay Music folder. You'll find hours of tunes that you can acccess and integrate into your show and not have to worry about the permission issue.

GarageBand.com is another terrific source of original music that can be played freely.

MagnaTune.com lets you listen to music submitted by the creating artist and purchase a license to use it that is appropriate to your project. License types include Corporate use, internet, radio ad, video game and more.