Frequently Asked Questions
Some Whats:
A: Like the way water can be liquid or ice or steam a sample can exist in myriad forms. A sample can be your entire song, part of your song, a public domain sound (i.e. a baby laughing or a police siren or a vending machine hum); it can be leftover sounds or rhythms from a recent recording session and more.
As a musician/band you can construct new samples just for The SampleBank to see if it sparks creativity in your songwriting (plus make some quick and ez money). You’re only bound by imagination (well that and the law, don’t steal what isn’t yours).
What is a sample? You tell us.
To upload a sample it should be:
.wav file
Minimum 16 bit to 32 bit
Or...
MP3
Minimum 128 kbps to 320 kbps
Artists earn 65% from each sale of a $99 sample and 65% from each 99 cent song sold.
Accounting and payments are done on a quarterly basis. Allow 1 month following the end of each quarter for accounting and to issue payments. Payments will be issued directly to an artist’s Paypal account or via email interact. To ensure propmpt payments Artists are encouraged to register for a PayPal account.
The SampleBank quarters will breakdown as follows:
First Quarter: March 31
Second Quarter: June 30
Third Quarter: September 30
Fourth Quarter: December 31
A: The SampleBank benefits for Artists are legion.
1st: unlike traditional online music stores Artists can generate profit from 2 revenue streams: The first is a 65% cut from every sample sold for $99 and a 65% cut from every song sold for 99 cents. The 65% cut is issued entirely and directly to the owning Artist. This is also upfront transparency in terms of how much the Artist is earning, a fun fact for Fans and Artists.
2nd: faster delivery. The onus is on the Artist to upload samples to The SampleBank and songs to The SampleBank Store. However there is no lag time, no processing...all uploaded sounds appears instantly and ready for eager Fans.
3rd: The SampleBank offers small businesses and companies a Corporate Profile, which is possibly additional revenue for starving artists. For small businesses that are unable to book U2 or the Stones for their next product launch/party/corporate event/shindig etc. The SampleBank offers plenty of bands, djs, musicians and more who are available. Interested Artists when setting up their profile can check the box marked “Available for Corporate Events” so when companies who have an account begin to search the proper names come up.
4th: is what the internet is for: collaboration/community. Our hope at The SampleBank is bands can connect and intersect with all kinds of artists to make all kinds of genre busting music. We want to see new genres, we want to hear new rhythms, we want to see what happens when 2 or 3 of you get together. Don’t think of The SampleBank as a website, think of it as a living room or a cool clubhouse, like a 60s Playboy party (with no bunnies). Get together and mingle.
More Whats:
A: Artists are the musicians/bands/soundmakers who have uploaded their samples or songs as sonic offerings for Creators and Fans.
A: Creators are rappers, DJs, producers or even other Indie artists. Really anybody who downloads a sample or a sound is a Creator.
A: Currently all samples sold are non-exclusive. However this will change as the site evolves and eventually exclusive samples will be sold. One step at a time: we’re all born with the ability to run but we must learn to walk first.
A: None. For now...
A: Growing...
Hows:
A: The transactions unfold as follows.
Once the samples have been uploaded Creators can peruse the sample bank (organized by genre meta tags), listen to the samples until they discover something they would like to purchase. Samples can be purchased for $99 (USD) via PayPal (hyperlink: http://www.paypal.com) or a credit card after the Creator(s) agree to the legal license.
The SampleBank also offers music Fans an online store (The SampleBank Store) where they can purchase the original songs by the Artists.
A: Click on SignUp and follow all the directions.
A: info@thesamplebank.com for all your questions and concerns and fashion tips.
Payment:
A: PayPal (hyperlink) is used exclusively by The SampleBank so we accept PayPal accounts and most credit cards.
A: Eventually. As anyone who has played Risk can attest, it takes some hard fought battles to get out there, conquer new lands, plunder and other such violent Viking language. Don’t tell single girls I just mentioned, Risk, k?
Doc Brown came up with the flux capacitor when he slipped and his head on the bathroom sink. My story is not as glamorous as that. Hi my name is Sammy; you might remember me from such sites as OnYourNose.com and S’up Cuz. I’m also a writer; check out my book Red Letter Nights. Does this at all qualify me to set up a music store? Nope, I require nerds!
Thus enters my good pals at big time design and communication whose patience, talents and coolness brought this Frankenstein to life.
I like music, I like bands, I work with both and if you’re heard me sing or play an instrument you know I don’t belong in a studio. So here’s my contribution to the sonic proceedings.