General FAQ

• What is Jingle Punks?
  We are a music licensing company that specializes in providing pre-cleared music for use in television, film, web , advertising and new media productions.
• Who does Jingle Punks license to?
  We License all types of music from all types of genres. Our clients have very different and specific needs and we take pride in the fact that we can offer them all kinds of music for whatever their content might require. Our clients service all types of media productions: Television, Film, Internet, etc. Possible uses include background music in a show, promo spots, use in a commercial, websites, internal company videos, movies, video games and more.
  To see some examples of our work be sure to visit our Client page.
• What separates Jingle Punks from other licensing companies?
  First and foremost, the music. We only put the best music that has made it through our screening process into our library. Because of this, we've earned a reputation of being the 'go to guys' for top quality content. We offer clients a distribution method that saves them thousands of dollars in labor and production costs. Clients use The Jingle Player for the best selection of music available and for the added bonus of saving time and money by doing so.
• What is The Jingle Player?
  The Jingle Player is our business-to-business music player and database tool that helps our clients find and deliver exactly what they need in a quick and efficient manner.
• Can I get a login to The Jingle Player
  At the moment, only if you're a client. The Jingle Player is a business-to-business tool. If you're a client and you need music for your content you can contact us at contact@jinglepunks.com for a login and password.

Artists FAQ

• Will Jingle Punks let me know if/when my music is used?
  Of course we would love to let every artist know about every instance that their music gets placed by us. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of placements, from a large number of clients and customers, we are unable to guarantee that you will be informed before your music is used on air. We make our best efforts to do so when possible but realistically we cannot do this in many cases. Normally we are not informed of use until we receive cue sheets after a show has aired and wrapped.
• Do I get a say in where and when my music is going to be used?
  Sorry, but you will not have the ability to approve or decline placements of your music. We offer our clients an easy and efficient process which enables clients to secure a license to our music quickly and hassle free. Adding another level of approval to productions that typically have extremely tight deadlines can stonewall the process and create unnecessary barriers and complications.
• Does it cost me anything to sign up with Jingle Punks?
  Nope, submitting to Jingle Punks does not cost you a dime.
• If I sign up with Jingle Punks can I still do other things with my music?
  Of course! We work non-exclusively with your music. This enables you to continue to hustle your wares any way you see fit. It's in our best interest that our artists succeed and we would never want to stand in the way of that. Make it big - we'll say we knew you way back old school style...
• What happens if I sign a Publishing deal?
  Shouldn't be an issue. Just let them know that you work with us on a non-exclusive basis and if they feel like this is a problem then you can ask us to remove your work from our database.
• How do I get my music removed from Jingle Punks?
  You can remove your music from our system anytime you like after the initial 1-year Licensing Agreement period expires. All we need is the request in writing stating the reason for removal and we will have your music removed within 60 days. Just a heads up, we will not be able to remove music that has already been placed but might not have aired yet, etc. You can mail this request to us at:
  Jingle Punks
  648 Broadway Suite 302
  New York, NY 10012
• What does the Licensing Agreement basically say?
  Yeah we know... it's long. We suggest you take a good read of it and if you have any questions you may want to consult a lawyer. As licensing agreements go it's pretty straight forward. It basically states: you give Jingle Punks the right to non-exclusively place your music in our clients media content worldwide for a license fee based on usage, clients budgets, etc. You also give Jingle Punks the right to administer for you our versions of your music with the appropriate performance for an initial 1-year period that will automatically re-instate after the first year unless we receive written notification otherwise.
• Who needs to sign the Licensing Agreement?
  You need to sign the contract as well as anyone else who holds rights to the music, masters or publishing. Keep in mind that by signing the Licensing Agreement you are legally responsible if it turns out there are other parties involved that have not been properly identified. Jingle Punks and our clients take no responsibility and are indemnified by the License Agreement. So please be sure to include all parties involved in the Licensing Agreement and Schedule A Forms!
• Do I need to sign up with a PRO (Performance Rights Organization)?
  Yes! You do want to get paid right? We suggest signing up with ASCAP, BMI or SESAC or your foreign PRO if you are overseas. Please consult our section on PRO's.

Submitting Music FAQ

• I want to become a Jingle Punk. Where do I submit my music?
  You can initially submit two mp3 demo's via our submit page on our web site for us to demo. Please submit the two tracks that you feel best represents yourself as an artist.
• What are the recording quality requirements for the music I'm submitting?
  All music submitted to Jingle Punks after the initial .mp3 demo submission should be in high quality 16 bit, 48khz .aif or .wav, format. Please refrain from sending compressed files or conversions from previous compressed files. If our ears deem the quality of the recordings/files sub par, we will reject them. That means you .mp3 files!
  We also request that when able you provide sting outs for the music you submit. Please do not upload tracks that cut off or end abruptly.
• What sort of music should I submit as my demo submission?
  Awesome music! We're interested in music from all genres so if you got it we will listen to it. Our clients make some strange requests, so you never know what will get placed.
• Can I submit cover songs?
  No, sorry. Unless you cleared the rights to "Stairway..." it's best to leave it to Zeppelin.
• What about Public Domain music?
  Public domain works. Although you must make sure that the music is in fact within the public domain. No cheating! We check!
• Is it cool if I use samples in the music I'm submitting?
  Nope. Not cool. If you have explicit clearance to do so (which you must provide to us) we can make an exception. Otherwise, we don't accept music with samples.
• Can I submit music if I only have vocal versions and not unstrumentals?
  Sure, you can submit whatever you like, however it definitely helps to get your music placed if you have mixes without vocals well. We recommend it.
• On the Schedule A form I see a place for a CAE/IPI#. What is that?
  The CAE/IPI# is a unique number assigned to you as a writer by your PRO society. Usually it's a string of nine digits grouped together and separated by periods (Ex: 123.45.67.89). If you're confused where to find it within your PRO account you can always use the links below and search for yourself there.
  ASCAP
  BMI
  SESAC
  

Paperwork / Forms FAQ

• Why do you need my Social Security # on the Licensing Agreement?
  This is absolutely a requirement. We need your SSN for tax purposes - and to get you paid.
• Do I really need to fill out the W-9 Tax form?
  Yes. Being a musician is a real job right? At least you can prove it to your folks now.
• What if I'm a non-U.S. resident? What then?
  In that case we ask you to fill out and submit a W-8 BEN form so we don't have to withhold part of your payments.

Performing Rights Organization FAQ

• Do I need to be a member of a Performance Rights Organization (PRO)?
  Well, you don't need to but we do highly recommend it. I mean, you do want to get paid royalties when your music ends up in the newest Super Bowl ad right? Thought so, so you need to sign up with a PRO. Here in the United States you have three main choices in ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. If you're from overseas do a little research and see which PRO best suits you in your country.
• Which PRO should I join?
  All of them are professional organizations and do their jobs well. Do a little research and see where you feel like your music would fit best.
• So does Jingle Punks pay me my share of royalties when they place my music?
  No - royalties don't get paid by us. Royalty payments come from your PRO society to you directly. And remember, it's important to keep you address and contact info up to date with your PRO. You want that check to get to you don't you?
• How much do I get in royalties?
  That depends on the placement. Different placements in different places and for different lengths of time all pay different amounts. We split the royalties with you the artist 50/50. You receive all the writer's share of the royalties and Jingle Punks receives all of the publishing share of the royalties.
• Do you re-title the music that I submit to you?
  Yes we do. We re-title and register your music with the Jingle Punks naming convention. This allows both you and us to administer each version of your music seperately. Jingle Punks only collects money on the placements we make for you using our versions of your music. Nothing else. Ownership of the music is still yours.

Payment FAQ

• What's the pay structure?
  We split everything 50/50 with you the artist. All single use license fees secured by Jingle Punks we split with the artist 50/50. With regards to royalty payments on the backend we do the same, Jingle Punks keeps our half of the total royalties in the form of the publishing share and the artist keeps their half of the royalties in the form of the writers share.
• How does payment work?
  When we get paid for a placement we cut you a check for your fifty percent. If it's a royalty payment then ASCAP, BMI, etc cut you a check that comes directly to you.
• What am I going to receive as typical payments for my music?
  Ah, that's a tough question. Honestly there is no "average" number that we can give you here, it depends on so many different factors. Some of our artists could receive thousands of dollars for a whole slew of placements that add up to some serious dough over time. Other artists could land a commercial that gives them a nice big pay day in one jumbo sized golf tournament check. (Jumbo novelty check not guaranteed)
• Do I need to pay taxes on payments I receive from Jingle Punks?
  Yes. We will provide you a 1099 form at the end of the year for all money you receive directly from Jingle Punks.
• What if I want my payments to go to my company instead of me as an individual?
  Then forget the Social Security # on the Licensing Agreement and W-9 Tax form and instead include your Federal Tax ID #.
• Can Jingle Punks split up the licensing fees between me and all the members of my band?
  Sorry, no. We only send payment to the initial or designated point person. So make sure you, or whoever that person is, is not a total slacker.