Hey guys! Are you looking for that signature Alan Walker sound but need it to be copyright-free for your videos, streams, or projects? You've come to the right place! Finding the perfect music that's both high-quality and safe to use can be a real challenge. In this article, we'll dive deep into how you can source amazing Alan Walker-esque tracks without running into copyright issues. Let's get started!

Understanding Copyright and Creative Commons

Before we jump into where to find the music, let's quickly break down copyright and Creative Commons. Copyright protects the rights of the original creator, meaning you can't just use any song you find online. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to takedown notices, monetization loss, or even legal trouble. Nobody wants that! That's where Creative Commons licenses come in. These licenses allow creators to grant certain rights to the public, such as the ability to use their work for free, sometimes with attribution.

Creative Commons Licenses Explained

There are several types of Creative Commons licenses, each with different levels of permissions. Here's a quick rundown:

• CC0 (Creative Commons Zero): This is the most permissive license. It essentially means the creator has waived all copyright and related rights. You can use the music for any purpose without giving attribution.
• CC BY (Attribution): You can use the music, but you must give credit to the original creator. This is usually done by including their name and a link to their work in your video description or project credits.
• CC BY-SA (Attribution-ShareAlike): Similar to CC BY, but you must also license your derivative work under the same terms. This means if you remix or modify the music, you need to allow others to use your version for free as well, with attribution.
• CC BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial): You can use the music for non-commercial purposes, but you must give credit. This means you can't use it in projects where you're making money directly, such as monetized YouTube videos (unless you get permission from the creator).
• CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike): The most restrictive license. You can only use the music for non-commercial purposes, you must give credit, and you must license your derivative work under the same terms.

Understanding these licenses is crucial for staying out of copyright trouble. Always double-check the specific license terms before using any music.

Where to Find Copyright-Free Music Similar to Alan Walker

Okay, now that we've got the legal stuff out of the way, let's get to the fun part: finding that awesome music! Here are some of the best resources for finding copyright-free tracks that give off that Alan Walker vibe.

YouTube Audio Library

YouTube's Audio Library is a goldmine for content creators. It offers a vast selection of free music and sound effects that you can use in your videos. The best part? Everything in the Audio Library is copyright-free, so you don't have to worry about getting a strike. To find music similar to Alan Walker, try searching for terms like "electronic," "dance," "house," or "EDM." You can also filter by mood to find tracks that are energetic, uplifting, or atmospheric.

How to Use YouTube Audio Library

1. Go to YouTube Studio.
2. In the left sidebar, click "Audio Library."
3. Use the search filters to find music by genre, mood, artist, or license type.
4. Preview tracks and download the ones you like.
5. Be sure to check the license details before using the music. Some tracks may require attribution.

SoundCloud

SoundCloud is another great platform for discovering independent artists and copyright-free music. Many creators offer their music under Creative Commons licenses, allowing you to use it for free as long as you follow the license terms. Look for tracks tagged with "Creative Commons" or "free download." You can also search for specific genres and moods to find music that matches the Alan Walker style.

Finding Creative Commons Music on SoundCloud

1. Use the search bar to look for keywords like "free electronic music" or "Creative Commons EDM."
2. Filter your search by "Tracks" to see individual songs.
3. Look for tracks with a Creative Commons license icon.
4. Click on the track to view the license details and attribution requirements.

Epidemic Sound and Artlist

While not entirely free, Epidemic Sound and Artlist are excellent options if you're willing to pay a subscription fee. These platforms offer high-quality, royalty-free music that you can use in your projects without worrying about copyright issues. They have a wide variety of electronic and dance music that sounds similar to Alan Walker. The advantage of using these services is that you get access to a curated library of professional-grade tracks.

Benefits of Using Subscription-Based Services

• High-Quality Music: Epidemic Sound and Artlist offer professionally produced music that sounds polished and impressive.
• Easy Licensing: You get a straightforward license that covers you for most types of projects.
• Regular Updates: These platforms constantly add new music to their libraries, so you'll always have fresh options to choose from.
• Peace of Mind: You can use the music without worrying about copyright claims or takedown notices.

Incompetech

Incompetech is a website run by composer Kevin MacLeod, who offers a vast library of royalty-free music. While not all of his tracks sound like Alan Walker, you can find some electronic and dance music that fits the bill. The music on Incompetech is available under a Creative Commons Attribution license, meaning you need to give credit to Kevin MacLeod when you use his music.

How to Use Incompetech

1. Visit the Incompetech website.
2. Browse the music library or use the search bar to find specific genres or moods.
3. Download the tracks you like.
4. Include the following attribution in your project credits: "Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0"

Other Resources

• Bensound: Offers a variety of royalty-free music, including electronic and dance tracks.
• Free Music Archive (FMA): A curated collection of Creative Commons music.
• ccMixter: A community-based platform for remixing and sharing Creative Commons music.

Tips for Choosing the Right Music

Choosing the right music can make or break your project. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect track:

Consider the Mood and Tone

The music should match the mood and tone of your project. If you're creating an energetic montage, you'll want an upbeat and driving track. If you're creating a more atmospheric piece, you'll want something mellow and ambient. Alan Walker's music often combines both, so look for tracks that have a blend of energy and atmosphere.

Pay Attention to the Tempo

The tempo of the music should also match the pace of your project. If you're creating a fast-paced video, you'll want a track with a high tempo. If you're creating a slower, more deliberate piece, you'll want a track with a lower tempo. Alan Walker's music typically has a moderate to high tempo, so aim for something similar.

Listen to the Arrangement

The arrangement of the music should be well-structured and engaging. Look for tracks that have a clear intro, verse, chorus, and outro. The arrangement should build and release tension in a way that keeps the listener interested. Alan Walker's music often features catchy melodies, driving basslines, and atmospheric sound effects, so look for tracks that incorporate these elements.

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment

Don't be afraid to try out different tracks and see what works best for your project. Sometimes the best music is something you wouldn't have expected. The most important thing is to find music that you love and that enhances your project.

How to Properly Attribute Creative Commons Music

Okay, you've found the perfect track and it's under a Creative Commons license that requires attribution. What do you do? Here's a step-by-step guide:

Include the Following Information

• Title of the Song: The exact name of the track.
• Artist Name: The name of the musician or band.
• Source URL: A link to the track on the platform where you found it (e.g., SoundCloud, YouTube).
• License Type: The specific Creative Commons license (e.g., CC BY 3.0).

Example Attribution

"[Track Title]" by [Artist Name] is licensed under CC BY 3.0 [Source URL]

Where to Include the Attribution

• YouTube Videos: Include the attribution in the video description.
• Websites: Include the attribution in the footer or on a credits page.
• Other Projects: Include the attribution in the project credits or documentation.

Be Clear and Visible

Make sure the attribution is easy to find and read. Use a clear font and avoid burying it in a wall of text. The goal is to give proper credit to the creator, so make it obvious.

Conclusion

Finding copyright-free music similar to Alan Walker doesn't have to be a headache. With the right resources and a little bit of knowledge about Creative Commons licenses, you can source amazing tracks for your projects without worrying about copyright issues. Remember to always double-check the license terms and give proper attribution when required. Now go out there and create something awesome! Peace out!