Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to the service desert... just kidding. Here you'll find answers to everything that regularly ends up in my inbox. In short: I'm just a guy, this is my hobby, and the music is for you.
Why do you put up with all this stress? (Motivation)
The actual starting gun for this project, as it is today, was honestly a life crisis. In 2011, after separating from my first wife, music became my most important therapy. I literally spent days and nights at the keyboard to clear my head and hammer emotions into the keys that couldn't go anywhere else. Looking back, I often wonder why I didn't do this much earlier – after all, I've been playing keyboard since I was 7. But sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom to rediscover an old passion as a lifeline.
Today, the pain is gone, but the passion remains—and has joined forces with my profession. As a full-time programmer, this website is my ultimate technical playground. I love to try out the latest technologies here at night, even before they become mainstream: Be it AI-powered similarity search, fully automated music analysis, or complex UI optimizations. These are often features that large commercial platforms charge a lot of money for (or don't even offer), and I program them here in my spare time—just out of curiosity to see if I can do it.
I am often asked: "Sascha, why don't you sell this technology? You could get rich!" The answer is simple: I don't want to deal with the stress of being self-employed and making business plans anymore (you can read why below in the "Story" about the website). I want to code and make music, not do sales pitches.
The real "payoff" for me today is the result of this work: When I see that a song, which may have come out of a crisis, is now used in your funny vacation video, an important school project or some creative indie game to bring joy—then the circle is complete. That's better than any payment. That's my fuel. And something else makes me proud: My work has even inspired my daughter to learn piano, sing, and compose her own songs. She's my biggest fan and my best critic at the same time.
Can I really use the music for free? (License)
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: All tracks here are under the Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 License. In plain English: You can copy the music, use it in videos, remix and share it. The only "catch" with the license is attribution—but please read the next point for more on that. Legal details can be found here.
Do I have to credit you as the author?
Officially according to the license: Yes.
In my special case: No, you don't have to.
I've decided to make giving credit optional. If you mention me in the credits, video description, or end screen, I'd be super happy (that's my only reward). But if it ruins your design or you just forget it: No stress, I won't sue anyone.
If I want to credit you: How do I do it properly?
Website: ende.app
That's all you need. Thank you!
I bought a license earlier. Do I still need it?
Where did filmmusic.io go and why doesn't my login work anymore?
Okay, real talk: The old platform was a huge beast. 250,000 users, server costs, emails, support requests... and at the end of the month I lost money.
I had to pull the plug to avoid going broke (or insane). That's why all data was deleted. But: If you were around before, simply create a new account – it's free.
User accounts, privacy
- Delete account: Happens automatically. If you don't log in for 3 months, you're deleted (in the GDPR sense).
- Privacy: Your account is just an anonymous number (UUID). I don't store names or shoe sizes.
I need help / support. Can I contact you?
Can I book you for individual music commissions?
Can you link to my website (SEO)?
I want to give you money! (Donations)
My suggestion: Donate the money to a charity of your choice (animal shelter, cancer aid, education). If you send me a screenshot of it, that makes me happier than every Euro on my account.
Help, YouTube Content ID is bugging me!
Nerd talk: What equipment do you use?
If anyone's interested in what I use to make noise at night:
Hardware
- Keys: M-AUDIO Oxygen Pro61
- Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 8i6
- Mics: Røde PodMic, NT1-A, NT-5
Software (DAW)
- Cubase: For everything orchestral (Hans Zimmer mode)
- FL Studio: For beats & electro (party mode)
Favorite libraries:
- 8dio (Unbeatable choirs & solo strings)
- Spitfire Audio (BBC Symphony Orchestra – a dream)
- Native Instruments (The gold standard)
The music annoys you. What now?
Harsh words, but fair. Unfortunately, Hans Zimmer wasn't available and my budget for the London Symphony Orchestra only covered a cheese sandwich.
The good news: You're the DJ here. In the app you can switch tracks or—if you prefer absolute acoustic silence—just mute everything. The mute button is basically my "John Cage 4′33″ Remix" for you.
I'm always working solo on new sounds (no elves, just lots of coffee). If nothing fits you: Just hit mute, take a deep breath, and enjoy the silence. I'll just quietly cry for a brief moment in the server room.
The story behind this website (History)
Just to clarify up front: I have a regular full-time job (and always have). This website is my "after work madness"—a one-man show that mostly takes place at night.
