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What exactly does Rumblefish do?

Rumblefish is a music branding and licensing company. We work with independent artists from all over the world connecting them through licensing with businesses that need and want high quality authentic music.

What is music licensing anyway?

Every piece of music written and recorded has certain rights associated with it. When companies want to use music for use in connection with their business they have to ask for permission and negotiate terms with the owners of those rights. We act as a representative and administrator of those rights for our members and issue licenses on their behalf.

When I sign with you do you represent all the music Iíve ever written?

Our agreements apply to only the songs you want to include. Sure we like to get as much of your excellent music as we can and the opportunity of licensing your music significantly increases the more we can use, but if there are songs you don’t want to include that’s okay. Once you become a member every time you write a new song you can decide whether or not to include it for licensing or not. It’s your music; it’s always your choice.

What if I'm on a label, can I still be a member?

- If you own your recordings and publishing, no problem.
- If your label owns any part of your recordings or publishing we need to get them an agreement as well.

What if I am a label, can the artists on my roster become members?

- If you have documented permission
to enter into agreements for your bands, no problem.
- If not, we need the approval of the band to begin licensing.

If I become a member can I still sign a record deal?

Absolutely. Nothing in our agreement prevents you from entering into third party agreements.

What if my music has samples or I do covers?

We cannot accept music that you do not own 100% of the rights. If you can make versions of your music without samples, we’d love to hear it.

 

What if my music wasn't professionally recorded?

We only extend invitations to artists whose music is undeniably authentic and amazing, sometimes that requires professional recording and mastering, sometimes not. Some of the best music we’ve ever heard was recorded in bedrooms.

Does it cost money to become a member of Rumblefish?

Absolutely not. Unlike some companies that have annual or monthly membership fees and charge you every time you send in a demo, our business was created to make money for you not from you.

How do I become a member?

Follow the instructions above.

So, where did the name Rumblefish come from?

It's the name of the fish. The logo is modeled after a Siamese fighting fish. The fishes, sometimes called rumblefishes, are known to fight each other to the death when placed in the same small confines. Notice our Rumblefish’s approachable smile yet, aggressive eyebrows. Paul, our founder, had it created when he was sixteen as his personal logo. It’s been cleaned up a little over time, but it remains, in essence, the same.