To add music to website?

[t5Nitro]

I'm not sure if I want to add music to my site or not. I actually like it so I think I want to. The option is simple for anyone who would want to turn it off. Not really looking to make money from this so if it would turn anyone away I guess not too big of a deal.

I'd just like to know, if I wanted to use someone's song on my site, what is needed? Do I need a written piece of paper from the band giving me the copyright to their song?

If that is the case, the band is a local group and making it into the big times so I'd like to put one of their songs on my site. I'm sure they wouldn't mind.

[MJPhotos24]

Personally I hate music on a photography site! Any site actually that I don't choose to go to and listen. It's annoying when in an office or listening to my own and that pops up - if you're going to do it have an option to turn it ON, not off as auto start annoys people. Also make sure it continues page to page if they choose to listen, if it re-loads every time you click a link that ups the annoyance. Also, would want a few songs, maybe three as you don't want it repeating over and over again as they browse - as well as the content of the song related to the site.

As for using someones song on your site it's just like photos, you need to license the song unless it's royalty free. The band wouldn't give you the copyright, just the right to use the song and yes it should be in writing.

[e02937]

I also dislike music especially if it's on to begin with and I have to turn it off.

[Naturalist]

I hate music on websites, too. It usually drives me away as soon as I hear it.

[t5Nitro]

Good point about especially being in an office. I just changed it to have music but you need to turn it on.

Thanks.

[MJPhotos24]

Good point about especially being in an office. I just changed it to have music but you need to turn it on.

Thanks.
Wait, so you already have it and haven't gotten permission from the band or ?

[nightcat]

Music on photo websites is jive. Its about as cool as doing the wave at a sporting event. It makes you look like an amatuer. Why take away the enjoyment of your photos with music that 50% of the people aren't going to like. Any music you choose there will be plenty of folks who dislike it. I hate having to turn off the sound so I can enjoy looking at photos. Give people the chance to take in your photography without being distracted.

[Karl Johnston]

I like it personally but many don't.

[t5Nitro]

Alright so most are leaning to not have music.

How about the contact page? Can I create a second e-mail for my home computer just for my website? Anyone know how to do this on a mac?

[t5Nitro]

Anyone know if bludomain, if they start the 1 year subscription the day they send you the website or does it start the day you send it back to them to put online? It's taking me a while to gather some pics.

[aroundlsu]

Please Dear God do not put music or any sound effects on your website. A close 2nd is do not put anything that requires flash. Trust me. Don't do it.

If you really want sound and animation add some videos that you can click to play.

[Jonta]

It's good that you have come to the correct conclusion about music on websitesHow about the contact page? Can I create a second e-mail for my home computer just for my website? Anyone know how to do this on a mac?What do you mean? What do you want to achieve?Anyone know if bludomain, if they start the 1 year subscription the day they send you the website or does it start the day you send it back to them to put online? It's taking me a while to gather some pics.Check on their website. If it doesn't say, e-mail them.

[upstech76]

While some may like it, I have always been told that it is generally a bad idea and considered unprofessional.

[blackshadow]

First of all don't do it - nothing makes people close a website faster than having music blast out uninvited.

Second, you would actually need a license from the music publishing company (if the band have one); if they have recorded, chances are they have a publishing company. If an act is signed to a publisher they can't just give permission for use, the publisher must give permission.

[saturnin]

music on your website is tacky and so 1993, dont do it.

[evilryu530]

if u like music on yourwebsite, go for it. don't let anyone decide for you. i bet everyone has had music on their website one time or another. as far as getting permission, no one ever gets permission from the artist(s). be sure to have the title of the song and the artist(s) name with the song.

[saturnin]

lol... if you like music go ahead..but ppl wont go to yoru site.. its proven...

music doesnt add anything to the site unless its a musicians site, u are there to sell your photos not music that goes with your photos.

I close any sites that are hard to navigate and or have too much **** going on.. i dont bother looking... now..i know i'm not the only one.

I dont think anyone here is out to give u bad advice, the opposite actually...... but @ the end of the day it is your call. So whatever you decided to do, make sure you do it to the best of your ability.

And yes, evilryu is right..everyone @ one point or another used music and other stuff that they dont have permission for...i know i have....right or wrong.....it has happend.

hadooken..... :)

[t5Nitro]

Yea, I will leave it off. Didn't know the thread is still going haha. I thought about recording my own guitar strumming on my mac in garage band and adding that but leave it turned off and the user has to turn it on manually if wanted. That way it's there but when you enter the site there is nothing playing or showing up as playing.

[cdifoto]

Music on a website can be effective. Whether people are going to like your choice of music is as up in the air as whether people are going to like your photos.

If you want music, put music on there. If you don't, don't.

[cdifoto]

lol... if you like music go ahead..but ppl wont go to yoru site.. its proven...
It's not proven.

Plenty of high end photographers have music on their websites. The right music can draw people in and get their emotions where you want them to be.

[t5Nitro]

I think I may record some strumming on my guitar to put on there. I think just some music would be better than music with singing in most occasions (different likes and dislikes).

I'm just going to have a few friends check it out and let me know what they think as a poll and then I'll leave it or turn it off. Now I just need to find someone to borrow the cable to hook the guitar to the mac. hah.

[Karl Johnston]

i like elevatory sounding music on websites. I really don't like full songs though

[ewancheyne]

I almost always close the window straight away when music comes on, it annoys me so much that I tend not to view any galleries when there is music, even if I can turn it off.

One of my major pet hates.

Plus its always awful music as well.

[blackshadow]

if u like music on yourwebsite, go for it. don't let anyone decide for you. i bet everyone has had music on their website one time or another. as far as getting permission, no one ever gets permission from the artist(s). be sure to have the title of the song and the artist(s) name with the song.

What a load of crap. It's also a breach of copyright (unless the music has a creative commons license - remember if your website is for a business it would then come under commercial use). We as photographers should be respecting the copyright of other creative artists.