West Coast Beats

SoundClick Beats FAQ

Why would I want to buy beats?

Purchasing beats can serve a variety of creative and professional needs. Here are a few scenarios:

• For Aspiring Musicians and Rappers: If you're an artist looking to launch your debut single or demo, buying a professionally produced beat can give your work a polished, radio-ready sound without the need for expensive studio production. It allows you to focus on your lyrics and performance while benefiting from high-quality instrumentals.
• For Content Creators and YouTubers: Whether you're creating YouTube videos, podcasts, or social media content, a well-chosen beat can enhance the overall production value of your project. With the proper licensing, you can legally use these beats as background music, ensuring that your content stands out without copyright hassles.
• For Commercial and Ad Projects: Businesses and independent commercial producers often require unique and impactful music for ads, radio spots, or film scoring. Buying beats ensures you have the right to use these tracks legally and can even help set your brand apart with a distinctive sound. In this scenarion, exclusive beat licenses are highly recommended.
• For Remixing and Customization: With trackout licenses, you not only get the full beat but also access to the individual stem files. This flexibility allows you to remix, tweak individual components, and customize the instrumental to fit your exact creative vision - perfect for producers who want to add their unique touch.
• For Time and Cost Efficiency: Instead of starting from scratch or investing in complex production software, buying a beat can be a more efficient way to secure high-quality instrumentals. This lets you invest more time in your performance, songwriting, or overall creative process.

How does SoundClick work as marketplace to buy and sell beats?

SoundClick is a leading marketplace for purchasing and selling beats. We offer a vast library of instrumentals produced by independent creators. For example, if you're a rapper looking for a new backdrop for your lyrics, you can browse through genres like Rap, Trap, Hip Hop, R&B, or even Electronic to find a beat that perfectly matches your style.

How do the beat licensing options work?

• Basic Licenses (~$25): Ideal if you only need an MP3 file for projects like YouTube videos or demos. Think of it as renting the beat for non-exclusive use.
• Premium Licenses (~$50): This option provides both MP3s and high-quality lossless files (WAV, AIFF), making it perfect for professional recordings where sound quality is key.
• Trackout Licenses (~$100): With these licenses, you get all the individual components (stems) of the beat. Imagine having separate tracks for drums, bass, and melody so you can mix or remix them to suit your project.
• Exclusive Licenses: This license gives you sole rights to the beat, ensuring that no one else can use it in future projects. This is ideal if you want your sound to be completely unique.

How can I find the right beat for my project?

The platform provides robust filtering options to help you pinpoint the perfect beat. You can search by:

• BPM (Beats Per Minute): For example, if you need a slower tempo for a ballad or a fast pace for an energetic track.
• Mood or Vibe: Filter for beats that are "chill," "aggressive," or "uplifting" to match the tone of your project.
• Specific Instruments: Whether you want a piano-driven melody or a beat heavy on electronic synths.
• Type Beats: Browse beats inspired by top artists like Drake or Kendrick Lamar, which can help you emulate a similar sound.

What file types can I expect to receive?

The file types vary based on your licensing choice:

• Basic License: You receive an MP3 file, which is great for online streaming and quick projects.
• Premium License: In addition to an MP3, you get high-quality lossless files such as WAV or AIFF, which are ideal for studio recordings.
• Trackout License: Besides the MP3 and lossless files, you also receive individual stem files. This allows you to adjust elements like drums or bass independently, similar to having separate layers in a digital art project.

Major Distinctions Between MP3, WAV, and Stem Files / Trackouts

MP3 Files

• Compression: MP3 files use lossy compression, meaning some audio detail is removed to reduce file size.
• Usage: Ideal for streaming and casual listening due to their small size and faster load times.
• Example: When you listen to music online or download tracks quickly, you're often getting an MP3 version of the song.

WAV (or AIFF), Lossless Files

• Quality: WAV files are uncompressed, preserving all the original audio details, which results in much higher quality than MP3 files.
• Usage: Preferred in professional settings like recording studios, mixing, and mastering, where audio fidelity is critical.
• Example: A studio recording is typically saved as a WAV file to ensure every nuance of the performance is retained for production.

Stem Files / Trackouts

• Separation: Stem files (also called trackouts) are the individual components of a complete mix - such as vocals, drums, bass, and melody - exported as separate files.
• Flexibility: They allow you to remix or adjust specific elements of a track independently, offering creative control over each part.
• Example: If you're a producer who wants to modify the drum track without affecting the other instruments, you'd work with the stem files to make those precise adjustments.

In summary, MP3 files are great for everyday listening due to their compact size, WAV files are essential for high-quality audio production, and stem files offer the flexibility needed for detailed remixing and creative customization.

What are stem files / trackouts?

Stem files, also known as trackouts, are the individual components of a complete beat. Imagine a layered cake where each layer represents a different sound element - like drums, bass, melody, and effects. With a trackout license, you receive these separate "layers" as individual files, allowing you to:

• Mix and Remix: Adjust the volume of the drums or bass without affecting the entire track.
• Customize Your Sound: Add effects or tweak specific parts to better fit your project. For example, if you feel that the bass is too soft for your track, you can boost just that stem to achieve the perfect balance. This flexibility is especially useful for artists and producers looking to create a signature sound.

How does the instant download feature work?

Buy a beat. Once your purchase is complete, you immediately are redirected to download all files of the track. In addition, you receive a download link via email. There's no waiting period; just like buying an e-book and being able to start reading right away. This means you can begin working on your project the moment you finalize your purchase.

How do I get started with buying a beat?

Getting started is simple:

• Create an Account (optional): Sign up for free on SoundClick. This is optional, but highly recommended. As registered member, you can always find your previous purchases easily in your administration.
• Find your tracks: Simply browse our charts, or use our search page. Use filters to search by genre, BPM, mood, or type beats.
• Select a Beat: Click the blue licensing button of a beat. Choose the licensing option that fits your project's needs.
• Purchase: Pay with PayPal, Square, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Cash App. Even use Affirm, Afterpay, or PayPal's Pay Later to pay in installments. Complete the transaction and download your beat instantly. For example, an emerging rapper could quickly log in, find a beat with the right energy, and purchase a Premium License to get the best quality files.

I'm a beat producer. How can I sell my beats on SoundClick?

If you're a producer wanting to sell your beats:

• Set Up a Artist Account: Sign up for a free artist page and upload your instrumentals.
• Define Licensing Terms: Choose from Basic, Premium, Trackout, or Exclusive options based on what suits your creative and business goals.
• List Your Beats: Provide clear details so buyers know what they're getting. For instance, you might offer a lower-priced Basic License for demo purposes and a higher-priced Trackout License for producers who want to remix your beat.

What information should I include when listing my beats?

When listing a beat, include all relevant details to help buyers make informed decisions:

• Pricing and Licensing Terms: Clearly explain what each license offers, including any limitations like publishing splits or sales caps.
• File Types Indicate if you're providing MP3s, lossless files, or stem files. It is highly recommended to offer all types to maximize your potential sales revenue.
• Enter all file information: Provide clear details so buyers know what they're getting. Genre, song descriptions, search tags, BPM, the more information the better. Try to be true to the specific song here, as that helps your potential clients to idnetify which tracks are best suited for them.
• Be specific: Describe the feel of the beat (e.g., "energetic", "mellow", "dark") to attract the right audience. For example, a beat described as "an upbeat, pop-infused track perfect for radio-friendly singles" will catch the attention of artists looking for that specific sound.
• Search tags: Think of similar-sounding artists for people searching for "type" beats: "drake", "kendrick lamar", "dua lipa". Drop instruments used, "guitar", "strummed guitar", "piano", "flute". Describe the mood, "upbeat" or "dark". Expand on the genre: "boom bap", "uk grime".

Are there tools to help me promote my beats?

Absolutely! Yes, SoundClick offers various promotional tools to help your beats get noticed:

• Featured Listings: Increase visibility by highlighting your beats. We offer premium placement and paid promotion options.
• Social Media Integration: Easily share your beats on platforms like Instagram, Blue Sky, and Facebook.
• Analytics: Track how many times your beat has been viewed or purchased, helping you understand what works best. For example, if a particular beat is gaining traction, you might choose to invest in a featured listing to boost its exposure further.