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Forums > C64 Composing > re-using existing tunes for new productions?
2025-04-03 17:28
Pac

Registered: Jan 2017
Posts: 12
re-using existing tunes for new productions?

Hi,

general question related to the use of music in demos/intros:

I'm not exactly brand new to the C64 scene, but have been away for the better part of 30 years. What I remember from back then: it was considered bad taste to re-use already released music in new productions.

I've released a few graphics the last weeks, with additional small intro-like code and a tune to make it less boring to watch.

I don't consider myself skilled enough to make good music, and I don't actually like composing. Is there something like "public domain" music that I can use? If so, how does this work? If not, is re-using already released music ever done at all? (If so, how?)

Thanks in advance,
kind regards,
/Pac
 
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2025-04-03 21:16
Pac

Registered: Jan 2017
Posts: 12
Thanks for the answers and tips. Ok, if I want to use a tune I'll ask the composer (if possible), and at any rate list him/her in the credits.
2025-04-03 22:36
TheRyk

Registered: Mar 2009
Posts: 2475
https://csdb.dk/stats/stat.php?view=usedsids_all

What to do with it: Maybe you do or don't want to use what 755 releases already (over?)used...

But then again.... can there ever be enough of S-Express? ;)

Bottom line: Tastes differ... Imho not giving credits is bad taste, so never ask, just give credits :)
2025-04-03 23:56
Pac

Registered: Jan 2017
Posts: 12
Quote: https://csdb.dk/stats/stat.php?view=usedsids_all

What to do with it: Maybe you do or don't want to use what 755 releases already (over?)used...

But then again.... can there ever be enough of S-Express? ;)

Bottom line: Tastes differ... Imho not giving credits is bad taste, so never ask, just give credits :)


wow, eye-opener (stats page).
2025-04-04 03:18
Six

Registered: Apr 2002
Posts: 322
Just ask the musician for permission if they're still active, and always credit them. Then there's no room for anyone to be upset - I do this and no one's said "no" so far.
2025-04-04 07:35
celticdesign

Registered: Oct 2005
Posts: 152
i'm always happy when one of my songs is used again.
2025-04-04 10:34
Krill

Registered: Apr 2002
Posts: 3098
Asking is optional, musicians are usually flattered when their tunes are re-used, even "without permission". =)

Asking, however, might result in them offering you new unused stuff.
2025-04-04 14:11
Frostbyte

Registered: Aug 2003
Posts: 184
Reusing a tune without asking for permission wouldn't feel weird at all, but reusing graphics without asking for permission would totally be a no-no to me. Anyone else? :D

(obviously credits given to music/gfx authors in both cases, that should go without saying)

(EDIT: Reusing fonts on the other hand would be totally fine in my opinion. Go figure)
2025-04-04 14:44
chatGPZ

Registered: Dec 2001
Posts: 11523
Do charsets count as graphics? :)
2025-04-05 13:03
Jetboy

Registered: Jul 2006
Posts: 363
Quote: Reusing a tune without asking for permission wouldn't feel weird at all, but reusing graphics without asking for permission would totally be a no-no to me. Anyone else? :D

(obviously credits given to music/gfx authors in both cases, that should go without saying)

(EDIT: Reusing fonts on the other hand would be totally fine in my opinion. Go figure)


Everyone could come up with their own custom rules.

People were reusing music in the old times, because musicians, especially good ones, were scarce. It was hard to contact existing ones so usage without consent was a common thing. Making graphics was easier, especially fonts and logos, so there was less need to reuse, albeit that happened too. Plus, Crest logo would not fit with Elysium demo anyway :)

Nowaday situation is quite different. Musicians, even the good ones are available in abundance, they are easy to contact and respond quickly. There are no reasons to reuse music without consent. That goes for the other disciplines too.

We should not use outdated rules now, and we should not judge past with contemporary rules. That makes no sense.

Of course, this is scene, and people will do whatever they feel like. Some take pride with breaking any rules and showing fucks to the status quo, because they can.
2025-04-05 13:13
Hein

Registered: Apr 2004
Posts: 965
Quote: Everyone could come up with their own custom rules.

People were reusing music in the old times, because musicians, especially good ones, were scarce. It was hard to contact existing ones so usage without consent was a common thing. Making graphics was easier, especially fonts and logos, so there was less need to reuse, albeit that happened too. Plus, Crest logo would not fit with Elysium demo anyway :)

Nowaday situation is quite different. Musicians, even the good ones are available in abundance, they are easy to contact and respond quickly. There are no reasons to reuse music without consent. That goes for the other disciplines too.

We should not use outdated rules now, and we should not judge past with contemporary rules. That makes no sense.

Of course, this is scene, and people will do whatever they feel like. Some take pride with breaking any rules and showing fucks to the status quo, because they can.


Re-using a great piece of music that sets the mood for a demo or intro production is only done out of respect for the piece and because someone admires it. What rules would fit there? If someone asked me why I didn't make a piece myself, I'd say I can't come up with something better than the Sid I've used in my production. Bit weird to talk about applying contemporary rules in todays AI, meme and copy/paste internet culture.
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