Sampling Record Store Tracklib Moves to Subscription Model
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Tracklib, the world’s first and only service for quickly finding and legally clearing samples, today turned on a completely overhauled user interface with better functionality at every level, and upgraded its pricing model from à la carte to a subscription service offering lots more music to sample. For the first time, Tracklib offers a free trial period during which users can download 7-15 CD-quality tracks.
Tracklib’s extensive catalog of sample-friendly music ranging from 1928 to 2020 consists of everything from Mozart to Isaac Hayes, and today Tracklib has added thousands of new songs and individual stems and multitracks from artists such as Sly & Robbie, Les Baxter, Blowfly, The Stylistics, Jackie DeShannon and more. Many artists have released songs with Tracklib samples—including Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, Phantogram, Mary J. Blige—and J. Cole’s 5x Platinum single “Middle Child” which was built around a sample from Tracklib.
“When we launched two years ago, offering a unified system and pricing model for sample clearance was revolutionary yet unproven for those labels, publishers, artists, producers, and songwriters who had lost a lot of revenue to unlicensed sampling,” said Pär Almqvist, founder, and CEO of Tracklib. “Tracklib has since proven our model, reassuring labels and publishers that automated sample clearance can work. We are very proud that the vast majority of revenue coming into Tracklib goes right back out to the talented artists whose works support the culture. In fact, many music creators make more money from Tracklib than from streaming services.”
To celebrate the new launch of the revamped service, Tracklib is launching a competition together with rapper Styles P giving up-and-coming producers the chance to produce his new single. The music needs to contain Tracklib samples, of course. This will run similarly to Tracklib’s successful competition with Wu-Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck last year, which received thousands of entries from 45 countries.
Along with increased functionality and new music, people have been asking for an easier and more affordable way to access Tracklib, especially during the current global crisis. Tracklib is now moving to a three-tiered subscription model aligned with the producer’s journey in mind, from what’s essential for an amateur playing around to what’s required of a dedicated professional.
Essential: 5 track downloads each month ($5.99/month or $59.90/year)
Standard: 15 track downloads each month ($13.99/month or $139.90/year)
Professional: 35 track downloads each month ($29.99/month or $299.90/year)
Where all downloads were previously $1.99, now with a standard subscription the price per download is 50% more affordable. Those who purchase annual plans will get an additional two months free. During the 14-day trial period, users can try out the service/new site and start to create new music with 7 free downloads. And to make it even sweeter, for existing users or anyone who is already using one of Tracklib’s partner services--such as Amuse, Reason, Serato, and Songtrust—the trial period increases to 30 days and Tracklib will give new users 15 free tracks. If, after the trial period ends a user is still not sure which subscription to purchase or if Tracklib is right for them, they can keep the downloaded tracks and take as long as they need to work on their new music. Once they are ready to release their creations to the world, they can come back to Tracklib to clear a sample license, for as little as $50.
Tracklib has also lowered licensing costs and revenue share percentages for some of its categories. Depending on category and sample length, the price varies, but for the most common case, a 15-second sample from a category C track (over 90% of the catalog) you pay only $50 and agree to share 10% of the song’s revenue. Explained in more detail here: http://tracklib.com/licensing/
Many long-requested capabilities have been embraced in Tracklib’s new interface, including:
A much better mobile version with a full-screen player
One-click downloads for faster workflow
Better browsing functionality with page filtering and more information around Artists, Genres and Labels
More detailed waveforms to easily find the best parts of song and loops
Inspiration pages across many genres of music
A broader selection of curated collections of tracks
Favorites! A seamless way to save tracks
Song lists can now be viewed in both compact and standard views
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