MixMatchMusic :: Help Desk : FAQ

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support@mixmatchmusic.com

MixMatchMusic, Ltd.
1325 Howard Ave. #923
Burlingame, CA 94010-4212

(650) 458-8808

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General

Who is MixMatchMusic for?

MixMatchMusic is for artists and music lovers. Artists contribute music for the rest of the community to mix and match, and when a created song is purchased, the artists get paid!

What kind of Artists is MixMatchMusic for?

It is intended for artists who (1) would like to collaborate with other artists but don't have a good way of doing it, (2) have yet to develop a market for their music and need ways to make money off their unfinished works, or (3) need a powerful way to engage their fans.

What is MixMatchMusic?

MixMatchMusic was founded to serve the needs of tens of millions of independent and semi-professional musicians. Its services, technologies and community enable musicians to collaborate on, engage fans with and profit from their music.

When was MixMatchMusic founded?

The private beta launched in January 2008. The public beta launched on September 8, 2008.

What problem does MixMatchMusic solve?

There are few good options for collaboration, for finding musical ideas or other musicians to complement an artist's vision. Now, more than ever, musicians need help building an audience and getting that audience engaged, and they need good tools and solutions to make it happen. Additionally, the existing system of rights and legal protections is ill suited for digital music – musicians need a way to profit from their art.

How does MixMatchMusic work?

* The MixMatchMusic Community promotes collaboration between artists and the creation of new music.
* The MixMaker, our audio sequencer and editing tool, combines the power of a professional Digital Audio Workstation music sequencer with an intuitive UI and ease-of-use that makes it accessible to the masses, enabling collaboration among and experimentation by artists.
* The Remix Wizard is a lightweight music mash up widget that lives on artists' sites and social network pages, and provides them with a viral tool to cultivate audience and engage fans.
* The MixMatchMusic Marketplace is where fans go to find new music, stems, and musical ideas, and where the artists who have created them get paid.

Who created MixMatchMusic and why?

The concept of MixMatchMusic was conceived by three college roommates (Charles Feinn, Derek Prothro, and Alan Khalfin) at UCLA, who wanted to continue to collaborate and make music with friends who had moved to other parts of the world after graduation. Soon, the former roommates realized that they spent a lot of time on social networking sites, downloading music software and mailing Digital Audio Workstation files to far away friends. MixMatchMusic was created to serve the needs of tens of millions of independent and semi-professional musicians like Charles, Alan and Derek, and with the same needs. Its services, technologies and community enable musicians to collaborate on, engage fans with and profit from their music.

Is the MixMatchMusic community limited to certain musical genres?

No – we're bringing artists together from around the world to collaborate on existing music and to create great new music. MixMatchMusic artists are contributing to a growing library of stems and songs, so you can find just the ska beat, slide riff or even complete song you've been hearing inside your head. MixMatchers can also find the sitar player or a rad vocal stylist that completes an idea or even a promoter to help sell it.

What are the different user classes?

MixMatchArtists and Registered Users. MixMatchArtists are users who upload original audio to the MixMatch Community (and electronically sign the corresponding license agreement). Registered Users are users that don't upload audio to the community database.

What is a MixMatchArtist?

A user who uploads original audio to the MixMatch Community database.

I want to make music on the site; where do I begin?

First, use the search engine on the homepage to find audio that you like and want to start with. Try narrowing your search by looking for a specific instrument, tempo, or genre. It may also be a good idea to start with a melody, a drumbeat, or a bassline. After you find that first "stem", click on the "add to MixMaker" icon to import that stem into the MixMaker. From there, use the search engine on the MixMaker page to find more audio to add to your song. Try searching for the same tempo and key to make sure that the new addition will work with the original audio. Repeat this process until you have crafted the perfect tune!

I am a non-musician, how can I use the site?

Try using the MixMaker to make your own song, even if you don't play any instruments. If you want to download the song, you can purchase it for $1.00. Of that $1.00, $0.85 will go to the co-authors of the song. If you don't want to buy it, save it to your profile and listen to it on the site for free. Communicate with your favorite MixMatchArtists and get a behind-the-scenes look into their creative process.

I am a DJ, how can I use the site?

Find a diverse library of original music to include in your live or studio mixes, and easily obtain the clearance to use this music. Upload the resulting mixes to the site and sell them through our network.

What is the MixMatch Stem Bank?

This is a collection of stems made and/or licensed by MixMatchMusic that are offered to users to Mix and Match.

As a registered user, how do I download a song I've made using the MixMaker?

In the future you will be able to purchase it for a fair price. Right now, you can only stream it...

MixMatchArtists

What is a MixMatchArtist?

A user who uploads original audio to the MixMatch Community database.

How can I actively collaborate on MixMatchMusic?

Upload some audio, and seek out other MixMatchArtists to add to your work. Use the site's social networking tools to contact these people and to exchange notes during the collaboration. Or, upload a stem and find other stems that go well with it to turn it into a full song!

How can I passively collaborate on MixMatchMusic?

Upload some audio, sit back, and see how the MixMatch Community uses your work in its creations. If that work is sold, you will earn money!

As a MixMatchArtist, how are my rights protected?

All audio that you upload will have a transactional history that details when that stem is downloaded, purchased, attributed, and used in the MixMaker. This transparent rights management system enables you to monitor who is doing what with your uploads, and makes sure you are attributed and paid for your work. To see who has done what with your music, go to your transaction log. Anytime a song is created with your stems in the MixMaker, you will automatically be attributed. If you allow other MixMatchArtists to download your stems for use in their home studios, they are required to attribute you when they upload the resulting work. In both of these cases, the attribution is locked in with the file on the site. If a user violates of our attribution rules or uses music, their account may be terminated. If anybody uses your music outside of the site without your permission (or MixMatchMusic's), this may be grounds for termination of that user's account.

When I upload music to the site, what rights do I grant to MixMatchMusic?

You grant MixMatchMusic the non-exclusive right to use and commercially distribute the works on or off the site. This means you are free to do what you please with the music you've uploaded to the site. You also grant MixMatchMusic the right to allow its users to add to, modify, and remix your works (as long as they attribute you and don't use your works off the site without permission). For any revenue earned from the sale or licensing of your contributions, you will share in the profits!

Can music uploaded to MixMatchMusic still be used for my own productions outside of MixMatchMusic.com?

Yes, when you upload music to MixMatchMusic.com, you grant us a non-exclusive worldwide license. This means that you can do what you please with your works, including licensing them to other people and using them on commercial releases.

How is authorship of collaborative stems determined?

All authors are co-authors, and shall be listed as such in the event that copyright registration is filled.

Can I freely use other users' works found on MixMatchMusic?

Yes, as long as you upload the resulting creation to MixMatchMusic and attribute all the authors of the part(s) used. If you are a MixMatchArtist, you may be able to download the work for use in your Digital Audio Workstation, depending on the licensing selection of the user who uploaded the audio. But, be sure to upload the resulting creation! Any offsite use of the works is strictly prohibited unless you obtain the permission of either (a) all the co-authors of that work or (b) MixMatchMusic.

What is the Contributor's Ratio?

Your Contributor's Ratio can be found on your user profile in the general information section. The Contributor's Ratio compares uploads to downloads and may determines whether a MixMatchArtist is eligible for free downloads. Your ratio can be determined by dividing the number of uploads you've contributed by the number of downloads. For MixMatchArtist who upload audio under the default license, you will be entitled to download free high quality versions of any stem if your ratio is above a 0.4 (for every 2 uploads, you get 5 free downloads); as long as your ratio is above 0.4, you can download for free!

If I want to release a song I've collaboratively made on MixMatchMusic outside of the site, how do I go about doing that?

You either need to (a) get the permission of all of the co-authors of the song, or (b) get the permission of MixMatchMusic, Ltd.

I am a DJ, how can I use the site?

What is the MixMatch Stem Bank?

This is a collection of stems made and/or licensed by MixMatchMusic that are offered to users to Mix and Match.

Can I freely download stems and use them in ProTools/Logic?

As a MixMatchArtist, you may be able to download stems for use in your home studio. This depends on if the artist who uploaded the stem allows you to do so. When uploading audio, a MixMatchArtist has the choice of allowing free downloads to other MixMatchArtist, as well as choosing the license that applies to this download. The default license is 5 free downloads for every 2 uploads.

How do I make money on MixMatchMusic?

As a MixMatchArtist, you will be paid royalties anytime we make money off your music. Here's how it works: (1) if a registered use wants to download a song he's made, he must purchase it for $1.00, (2) we will seek commercial licensing opportunities (tv, movies, video game, ringtone maker, etc), (3) fans can give you a "tip", and (4) you can sell other musicians the right to use your stems in a commercial recording (an album) off the site. When we make money, you make money! For every $1.00 we collect (except for tips), you and you co-authors will share $0.85. So it's an easy way to sell your music piecemeal and make more money!

Whenever your stem is used in a purchased song, you and your co-authors will receive MMMSW_cut of the revenue earned. Purchases can happen in three ways: (1) someone purchases a stem you've uploaded (no co-authorship involved), (2) someone purchases a stem you've collaboratively made on the site (all collaborations are automatically posted for sale), and (3) a registered (non-contributing) user makes a song using community stems and purchases that song. The amount received by each co-author depends on the kind of stem they contributed to the song; the exact calculations are determined through a royalty algorithm that takes into account several variables derived from the stem's use in the song and transactional history.

How do I collect my royalties?

You can either be paid through Paypal, or we can send you a check. To set up payment, go to your Royalty Log. You will be paid at the end of every business quarter, if you accrue $10 (including tips). If you don't accrue $10 in a business quarter, you will be paid the next business quarter that you get to $10.

Once I contribute my stems to the community, can I remove them and prevent other people from using them in their mixes?

No, once you contribute stems to the community, they will always be available for others to listen to and use in songs. This is because any time your stems are used in a song, that song can be opened up in the MixMaker and remixed. So, if you terminate your account, others will still be able to use the stems in new works and remixes. The reason for this is that your stems will become integral parts of many great songs, and after those songs are made it won't be fair to other artists if we removed them from the song. But, you will still of course be paid royalties when they are owed to you, just as if you were still a member! And, you can always use your stems for whatever purpose you want, as your license to us is non-exclusive.

How does MixMatchMusic determine the royalties I am owed for my contribution to a purchased song?

When a piece of audio is sold or when a tip is received for a song, the contributing authors are entitled to royalties. $0.85 of the purchase price and 100% of the tip is available for distribution to the contributing authors. 2/3's of this "royalty pool" is divided equally among every contributing user. This includes MixMatchArtists who uploaded audio used as well as arrangers who put the song together. Of this 2/3 portion, each uploading artist is counted as 1, and all the arrangers are collectively counted as 1. The other 1/3 of the royalty pool is divided in the same fashion, but is weighted by the algorithmic values of the audio used in the song (taking into account the popularity, usefulness, and levels of activity of users and audio); this 1/3 portion is only available to those that have uploaded audio used in the song.

this community won't work without your input. therefore, it is our goal to cater the site to your every dream and desire.

please leave any and all input that you have to contribute, you will help make MixMatchMusic the most important musical resource on the Internet.

previous suggestions

davidjlee - Mar 31st 2011, 2:02pm

Hi, I don't know how to electronically signed.

zs1 - Dec 20th 2010, 12:14am

Hi Just wondering how the rating system works in the remix competitions? ie. 9.1/10, 4.2/10 etc as it obviously is not rated by vote?

dorinnmusic - Feb 6th 2010, 12:59pm

hello! i have a question...how to erase my account????!?!?

fjnmsl - Jul 18th 2009, 2:53am

How about a "Go To" drop down box for pages? I'm endeavoring to go through all the stems at present. It would be nice to have a drop down box that would take me to the page I left off at. fjnmsl

phatraxproductions - Jul 4th 2009, 12:10am

i would like to delete my account please give me details as i dont use your service anymore.

phatraxproductions - Nov 28th 2008, 2:19pm

Could you put an option to keep your real name private like you can with your age.

stkennedy - Nov 27th 2008, 11:24pm

Also....I don't know if I would allow guests to make suggestions, as it may be greatly abusive of spam.

stkennedy - Nov 27th 2008, 11:23pm

Being able to add instruments and genres in the stem descriptions selections is awesome! ...but I've noticed I can't "remove" them once I've added them as part of a selection. This would be a nice option. ...and hopefully the addition/subtraction of these things (like pictures for stems/samples) is one that only the person who added them would be able to command. Example, I used a Balalaika instrument in several samples and wanted it as part of the "string" family in the selection screen. After adding it, I noticed that for some reason it added 7 or 8 instances of it. ...now when I go to the selection, and choose the string family, the instrument list always shows me 7-8 Balalaika's along with the rest of the default instruments. :(

stkennedy - Nov 27th 2008, 11:17pm

*In the MixMaker, how about a rewind button allowing you to return to the beginning of your song. *Also, when in the MixMaker choosing your stems, how about being able to SORT your stems in order by various attributes. (name, tempo, user etc.) You already kindof have that in the portfolio section, so seeing it here would be nice^_^

ljharb - Nov 27th 2008, 8:56pm

Thanks to everyone who has made suggestions so far! Some we have already put into place, the rest we are considering. Please keep suggesting anything you come up with - we always want to know how we can make the site better!

phatraxproductions - Nov 27th 2008, 3:54pm

account deletion button.

phatraxproductions - Nov 27th 2008, 3:20pm

How about supplying some banners that users can take and put on their websites, Myspace and blogs so that more people can get to know about this awesome site. Let me know what you think. Aeronautics.

stkennedy - Nov 11th 2008, 12:21pm

To prevent problems uploading and then submitting....Why not allow your que to have a set memory limitation and retain the audio in ones portfolio until they submit/approve it or delete it? This eliminates the problem with navigating from the submission page and losing aaaaallll the time and information one sinks into uploading stems. It's something individuals could use to upload batches of files and then come back to them to update later. Also, being able to batch upload and choose which (or all) samples are related would be XTRA handy dandy. Say I have a song created and want to slice all my raw audio up and upload it for everyone to be creative with... all the samples will be related (key, feeling, tempo, etc.) ...so it would be neat to be able to distinguish if certain samples in the community we related in this distinct way. If that's what the attribution selection is for...then how about making it capable of attributing samples you are uploading with eachother. ^_^

guest - Sep 14th 2008, 4:39pm

I love the idea of this web site which I found out about through a PC World article. However, I'm not a musician but I've written some song-like poetry. It would be cool if I could upload potential lyrics, have them date-stamped somehow for copyright protection, and then have musicians who are interested in them collaborate in the same way they already do here. There are not enough venues for lyricists who don't know much about music to have music put to their words.

forkhead - Sep 10th 2008, 8:19pm

Hi, I love this site, and the idea behind it, but, its taking an eternity to upload files! I could make them into mp3's,which I might do, but, I like to keep them .wav's if someone is mixing. They are about 30 mb as .wav's. Any suggestions??

xtagon - Sep 10th 2008, 12:21pm

I recently watched a demo video online which displayed MixMatchMusic's functionality. I loved what I saw and heard about MixMatchMusic and was very eager to register to be a MixMatchArtist. I am highly disappointed to find that I cannot join in all the fun until I'm 18 years old. (I am 16.) I realize there must be a very good reason (probably one to do with legality) behind the age limit, so this is more of a complaint than a suggestion. I know of many, many teenagers like myself (generally ages 15-17) with great potential, skill, and creativity and they could all benifit very much from MixMatchMusic's services if the age limit was lower. I'll be back in a year and a half, Justin Workman

scotthayes - Aug 9th 2008, 10:30am

put looping options in the sequencer (didnt see one if there was one), similar to reason, a left and right loop start, and a button that enables the loop option.

lostthought - Jul 26th 2008, 3:15pm

This is my first time using it so maybe I may have overlooked some things. A loop function to be available to make testing out the loops would be nice if it was in the same area as the play and stop button

Percolator - Mar 16th 2008, 7:30pm

um, i cant delete mBIts that I mis-labled and uploaded 2x under the correct title. how do I delete contributions? ROCK!

mirastroika - Feb 12th 2008, 4:51pm

Hey guys! This is awesome. I just thought I'd mention this before I forget and peruse the rest of the site but when you register on the site, you have two options: "submit" or "continue to create profile" (or something like that) which I found confusing. It's not clear what the difference is...just something to think about in the user experience. Is it because some people may not want to create a profile? If so, maybe it should just be "submit" and on the next page you have the option of creating a profile and whatever the other options are. ok cool, i'm excited to explore!

Scott - Feb 12th 2008, 1:47pm

1. Make the links on the right a larger font, they are pretty small now and the gray ones blend in with the white background and aren’t really noticeable 2. Make the mouse-over descriptions of the links smaller. There is too much bullshit about bringing artist together and such. Just put a small description of what the section/page does and more detail on the particular page. I didn't bother reading the mouse-over descriptions and I don't think anyone else will. 3. More colors on the pages. I realize it is clean, but it doesn't come across as a developed site yet (no offense).

Johnson - Jan 24th 2008, 3:19pm

Having an option to pop off the mbit search field and results area into a separate smaller browser window would be nice. The mbit search seems small enough to make this convenient. This way I could have a nice low impact way of keeping the settings and results of a search when I want to browse to another page. If multiple search windows could be created, it would provide an easy way of viewing multiple mbit search results side by side. Mbit search seems like such an integral part of this site, but right now as I write this suggestion, I can't view it without navigating away from this page or opening another big browser window/tab.

jdpelton - Jan 13th 2008, 3:04pm

i know you must have more plans for the sequencer. just thought i would let you know what i would like to see first: -more options for selecting specific parts of an mBit. as far as i can tell, you can either select the whole thing or cut off part of it. having a cursor to more precisely highlight the part you want to work with would be nice. -a cut/copy/paste that works more like most word processing programs -a tool to fade in and out, for a specified range and time those to me are the features that really seem to be lacking. of course after that, ways to incorporate delay effects and modulation effects and other fancy stuff would be great to, but i understand it must be hard to incorporate all these things into your online sequencer.

jdpelton - Jan 11th 2008, 7:32pm

hmm, a suggestion about a minor annoyance, the little bubbles that pop up when you hover over a link on the right are cool, but they don't disappear until you hover over another one, which makes it hard to click a link that the bubble hides. maybe if you set it so the bubble is only on the screen while your cursor is over the link, and disappears as soon as it leaves? hmmm, i noticed you can click anywhere and it disappears too, but it's still a minor annoyance.

YellowBear - Jan 7th 2008, 11:28pm

It would be nice to get a harmonica listed in the .instrument and style. section of the upload mbit information