In the dynamic landscape of digital music production, platforms that simplify the legal use of samples are invaluable. Tracklib, a Swedish-born digital music service, has positioned itself as a key facilitator in this space. Originally launched to streamline the traditionally complex and costly process of sample clearance, the platform has recently expanded its offerings. This expansion includes a new feature called "Sounds," which provides royalty-free loops and one-shots, alongside its established service of pre-cleared song samples. For UK-based music producers, from independent artists to those working in commercial studios, understanding the distinction between these offerings and the associated costs is crucial for navigating the platform effectively.
The core of Tracklib’s service is its extensive library of original recordings, stems, loops, and sounds, comprising over 100,000 tracks across various genres and eras. This library is accessible through a subscription-based model. A significant update to its pricing structure in 2024 saw the company eliminate license fees for most of its subscription plans. This change allows users to clear an unlimited number of samples from the Songs library without incurring extra upfront costs. However, for commercial releases, a one-time fee starting at £50 (approximately $50 USD) plus a revenue-sharing agreement with the original rights holders is required. This model promotes ethical practices by ensuring original creators are compensated while streamlining the approval process that has historically deterred many independent musicians.
The introduction of the "Sounds" feature marks a pivotal development for Tracklib. This new library is described as a complete collection of "authentically recorded, royalty-free loops and one-shots." Unlike the Samples library, which requires the aforementioned clearance process for commercial use, the sounds within the "Sounds" library are entirely royalty-free. This means that once a producer accesses these sounds through a qualifying subscription, they can use them in their projects without any further licensing obligations or revenue-sharing agreements. The sounds are curated by real musicians and cover a wide range of elements, from the booming 808 drum machine slaps to soulful vocals from obscure 70s tracks. The inclusion of this feature is intended to transform Tracklib into a "one-stop platform for music production," providing both cleared song samples and ready-to-use royalty-free sounds under one roof.
Access to these services is governed by a tiered subscription plan. Tracklib offers three main tiers: Lite, Premium, and Max. The pricing and features for each tier are as follows:
- Lite Tier: Priced at $8.99 per month. This tier provides basic access but, according to the source material, does not include the new "Sounds" feature or unlimited sample clearance.
- Premium Tier: Priced at $13.99 per month. This tier includes access to the "Sounds" library and allows for unlimited sample clearance from the Songs library. The clearance is pre-cleared for commercial release with no upfront fees, but it requires a revenue share with rights holders.
- Max Tier: Priced at $19.99 per month. This tier offers the same benefits as the Premium tier, including access to "Sounds" and unlimited sample clearance.
It is important to note a slight discrepancy in the provided source material regarding the exact monthly prices. One source lists the Lite tier at $8.99, Premium at $13.99, and Max at $19.99. Another source mentions Premium starting at $4.99 for the first month then $14.99 monthly, and Max at $9.99 for the first month then $19.99 monthly. Given the instruction to rely on explicit information and acknowledge conflicts, both pricing structures are presented here. The core features, however, remain consistent: the "Sounds" library and unlimited sample clearance are standard with Premium and Max subscriptions, not Lite.
For those wishing to evaluate the service before committing, Tracklib offers a three-day free trial. This trial period allows potential users to explore the platform's features, including the new "Sounds" library, to determine if it suits their production needs. Furthermore, annual subscription plans are available for all tiers, which offer a saving equivalent to two months of subscription fees compared to paying monthly.
The platform's impact on the music industry is evidenced by its use in high-profile productions. Samples cleared through Tracklib have been featured in songs by global stars such as Drake, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar. J. Cole, for instance, used an exclusive multitrack sample for his 2019 hit "Middle Child," and Lil Wayne incorporated a Tracklib sample into his 2020 album "Funeral." This adoption by industry heavyweights underscores the platform's role in simplifying the sampling process for both emerging and established artists.
For UK consumers and music producers exploring this service, the key takeaways are clear. Tracklib provides two distinct types of musical elements: pre-cleared song samples from its extensive Songs library and royalty-free sounds from its new Sounds library. The ability to use Sounds without any ongoing royalty obligations makes them particularly valuable for projects where complex clearance or revenue sharing is a barrier. The platform’s subscription model, particularly the Premium and Max tiers, offers a streamlined path to legally incorporating samples into new music, removing much of the administrative and financial friction that once surrounded music sampling. As the platform continues to evolve, its focus on making high-quality, ethically sourced sounds accessible remains a central tenet of its service.