Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to the service desert... just kidding. Here you'll find answers to everything that regularly lands in my inbox. Short version: I'm just a guy, this is my hobby, and the music is for you.
Why do you put yourself through this stress? (Motivation)
The real starting point for this project, as it exists 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 in front of the keyboard to clear my head and hammer emotions into the keys that had nowhere else to go. Looking back, I often wonder why I didn't do it much sooner – after all, I learned to play keyboard at age 7. But sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom to rediscover an old passion as a lifeline.
Today the pain has faded, but the passion has remained – and it has joined forces with my profession. As a full-time programmer, this website is my ultimate technical playground. I love experimenting with the latest technologies here at night, before they go mainstream: whether it's an AI-powered similarity search, fully automated music analysis, or complex UI optimizations. These are often features that large commercial services charge a lot of money for (or don't even offer), and I build them here in my spare time – simply out of curiosity to see if I can.
I'm often asked: "Sascha, why don't you sell this technology? You could get rich!" The answer is simple: I no longer want the stress of self-employment and business plans (you can read about why below in the website's "Story"). I want to program and make music, not have sales conversations.
The real "payoff" for me today is the result of this work: when I see that a song that once came from a crisis is now bringing joy to your funny vacation video, an important school project, or a creative indie game – then the circle is complete. That's better than any payment. That's my fuel. And one more thing makes me proud: my work has now even inspired my daughter to learn piano, sing, and compose her own songs. She is my biggest fan and my best critic at the same time.
Today the pain has faded, but the passion has remained – and it has joined forces with my profession. As a full-time programmer, this website is my ultimate technical playground. I love experimenting with the latest technologies here at night, before they go mainstream: whether it's an AI-powered similarity search, fully automated music analysis, or complex UI optimizations. These are often features that large commercial services charge a lot of money for (or don't even offer), and I build them here in my spare time – simply out of curiosity to see if I can.
I'm often asked: "Sascha, why don't you sell this technology? You could get rich!" The answer is simple: I no longer want the stress of self-employment and business plans (you can read about why below in the website's "Story"). I want to program and make music, not have sales conversations.
The real "payoff" for me today is the result of this work: when I see that a song that once came from a crisis is now bringing joy to your funny vacation video, an important school project, or a creative indie game – then the circle is complete. That's better than any payment. That's my fuel. And one more thing makes me proud: my work has now even inspired my daughter to learn piano, sing, and compose her own songs. She is 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 licensed under the Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 License. In plain English: you may copy, use in videos, remix, and share the music. The only "catch" of the license is actually the attribution requirement – but please read the next point for details. Legal details are available here.
Long answer: All tracks here are licensed under the Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 License. In plain English: you may copy, use in videos, remix, and share the music. The only "catch" of the license is actually the attribution requirement – but please read the next point for details. Legal details are available here.
Do I have to credit you as the author?
Officially according to the license: Yes.
In my specific case: No, you don't have to.
I have chosen to make attribution voluntary. If you mention me in the credits, video description, or end screen, I'll be thrilled (that's my only reward). But if it ruins the design or you simply forget: no stress, I won't sue anyone.
In my specific case: No, you don't have to.
I have chosen to make attribution voluntary. If you mention me in the credits, video description, or end screen, I'll be thrilled (that's my only reward). But if it ruins the design or you simply forget: no stress, I won't sue anyone.
If I want to credit you: how do I do it correctly?
That's music to my ears! If you want to mention me, something like this is perfectly sufficient:
That's all it takes. Thank you for it!
Music: "Battlefield Heroes" by Sascha Ende\nWebsite: ende.appThat's all it takes. Thank you for it!
I bought a license in the past. Do I still need it?
No. You can hang the document on the wall as a souvenir or digitally shred it. Since I now offer all music under the very permissive CC BY 4.0 (with the addition "attribution voluntary"), old licenses are obsolete. You now essentially have "free-user premium rights" – and that's forever.
Where did filmmusic.io go and why doesn't my login work anymore?
Okay, real talk: the old platform was a huge monster. 250,000 users, server costs, email delivery, support requests... and at the end of the month I was paying out of pocket.
I had to pull the plug to avoid going broke (or crazy). That's why all data was deleted. But: if you were a user before, just create a new account – it's free.
I had to pull the plug to avoid going broke (or crazy). That's why all data was deleted. But: if you were a user before, just create a new account – it's free.
User accounts, privacy
- Delete account: Happens automatically. Don't log in for 3 months, and you're history (in the data protection sense).
- Privacy: Your account is just an anonymous number (UUID). I don't store names, shoe sizes, or anything like that.
I need help / support. Can I contact you?
Please don't take it personally, but: No. This website is a pure hobby project alongside my full-time job. If I start providing individual support, I won't get around to making music (or sleeping). The website and music come "as is" – without warranty, but made with a lot of love.
Can I hire you for custom music commissions?
That's flattering, but I've deregistered my business. I no longer take commissions, accept money, or write invoices. I only do what I feel like doing – and then upload it here.
Can you link to my website (SEO)?
No. (Long version: No, really not. Not for money, cookies, or kind words either. I only link to projects that directly keep this site alive.)
I want to give you money! (Donations)
You're awesome! But since I no longer have a registered business, I'm legally not allowed to accept donations for my "work" (Germany and its bureaucracy, sigh).
My suggestion: Donate the money to a non-profit of your choice (animal shelter, cancer research, education). If you send me a screenshot of it, I'll be happier than if you sent me any amount of money.
My suggestion: Donate the money to a non-profit of your choice (animal shelter, cancer research, education). If you send me a screenshot of it, I'll be happier than if you sent me any amount of money.
Help, YouTube Content ID is annoying me!
As much as I'd love to argue with the YouTube legal robot: I have to pass on this one. Content ID and I are not friends. Since you have the license (see above), you're in the right. File a dispute, reference the license. You've got this! Google is your friend when searching for "how to dispute a Content ID claim".
Nerd talk: what equipment do you use?
In case anyone is curious what I use to make noise here at night:
Hardware
Software (DAW)
Favorite libraries:
Hardware
- Keys: M-AUDIO Oxygen Pro61
- Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 8i6
- Mics: Røde PodMic, NT1-A, NT-5
Software (DAW)
- Cubase: For all things orchestral (Hans Zimmer mode)
- FL Studio: For beats & electronic (party mode)
Favorite libraries:
- 8dio (Unbeatable choirs & solo strings)
- Spitfire Audio (BBC Symphony Orchestra – a dream)
- Native Instruments (The standard, basically)
The music is annoying. Now what?
Harsh words, but fair. Hans Zimmer was unfortunately unavailable and my budget for the London Symphony Orchestra only stretched to a cheese sandwich.
The good news: you're the DJ here. In the app you can switch tracks or – if you prefer complete acoustic emptiness – just mute everything. The mute button is basically my "John Cage 4′33″ remix" for you.
I'm constantly tinkering alone with new sounds (no elves, just lots of coffee). So if nothing suits you: hit mute, breathe deeply, and enjoy the silence. I'll just cry quietly in the server room for a moment.
The good news: you're the DJ here. In the app you can switch tracks or – if you prefer complete acoustic emptiness – just mute everything. The mute button is basically my "John Cage 4′33″ remix" for you.
I'm constantly tinkering alone with new sounds (no elves, just lots of coffee). So if nothing suits you: hit mute, breathe deeply, and enjoy the silence. I'll just cry quietly in the server room for a moment.
The story behind this website (History)
For context: I have a normal full-time job (and always have). This website is my "after-hours madness" – a one-man show that mostly happens at night.
2010 - The Beginning
My first small music portfolio goes live on ende.us. Still very basic.
2011 - Moving
We move to the domain ende.tv. Sounds more important, feels good.
2012 - 100,000 visitors
Suddenly things are really happening here. I notice: wow, people actually care about this.
2013 - The first mistake
Partnership with a media company. I thought "synergies", the reality was more like "headaches". In retrospect, not a good idea.
2016 - Solo again
Left the company. I move my music to sascha-ende.de. Back to the roots.
2017 - Birth of Filmmusic.io
A new platform emerges. Sascha-ende.de becomes a business card, the music moves.
2019 - Megalomania (almost)
Opening up to other artists & founding the "UG". Sounds like business, but it was the start of bureaucracy hell.
2022 - The crash
The UG is liquidated. I continue alone. Donation model introduced. Financially a flop.
2023 - The dark year
Ads gone, revenue in the basement (€150/month), depression. Guest artists cause Content ID strikes for my users. Loss of trust.
January 2024 - The liberation
All guest artists are out. Platform belongs exclusively to my compositions again.
August 2024 - Tech restart
The old site is history. New site, anonymous accounts, no more data protection stress.
September 2024 - Hobby status: activated
Business deregistered. License relaxed (attribution optional). Finally having fun again without business pressure.
July 2025 - Rebranding
filmmusic.io becomes ende.app. To make it clear: this is me, personally.
January 2026 - ENDE.APP 2.0
Modernization complete. Playlists, faceted search, turbo accounts. We have arrived.
2010 - The Beginning
My first small music portfolio goes live on ende.us. Still very basic.
2011 - Moving
We move to the domain ende.tv. Sounds more important, feels good.
2012 - 100,000 visitors
Suddenly things are really happening here. I notice: wow, people actually care about this.
2013 - The first mistake
Partnership with a media company. I thought "synergies", the reality was more like "headaches". In retrospect, not a good idea.
2016 - Solo again
Left the company. I move my music to sascha-ende.de. Back to the roots.
2017 - Birth of Filmmusic.io
A new platform emerges. Sascha-ende.de becomes a business card, the music moves.
2019 - Megalomania (almost)
Opening up to other artists & founding the "UG". Sounds like business, but it was the start of bureaucracy hell.
2022 - The crash
The UG is liquidated. I continue alone. Donation model introduced. Financially a flop.
2023 - The dark year
Ads gone, revenue in the basement (€150/month), depression. Guest artists cause Content ID strikes for my users. Loss of trust.
January 2024 - The liberation
All guest artists are out. Platform belongs exclusively to my compositions again.
August 2024 - Tech restart
The old site is history. New site, anonymous accounts, no more data protection stress.
September 2024 - Hobby status: activated
Business deregistered. License relaxed (attribution optional). Finally having fun again without business pressure.
July 2025 - Rebranding
filmmusic.io becomes ende.app. To make it clear: this is me, personally.
January 2026 - ENDE.APP 2.0
Modernization complete. Playlists, faceted search, turbo accounts. We have arrived.
Is this all AI or do you do it yourself? (AI Policy)
Transparency matters to me, so here's the "deep dive":
Until early 2024, all my songs (approx. 1,000 tracks) were produced completely without generative AI. Pure craftsmanship.
Since 2024, AI has become part of my toolbox. It's now a colorful mix:
Why don't I label AI songs separately?
I did this briefly, but it often leads to false assumptions.
An example:
I work for two weeks on a complex song, but at the end have the vocals sung by an AI (because I can't sing myself). If I had to mark that as an "AI song", many people would think: "Oh, that was just 2 clicks", when in reality there's a massive amount of work in it.
AI has become a production tool for me, just like a photographer uses Photoshop for post-processing or a programmer uses code assistants. A painter doesn't write on the back of the painting where they bought the paint either.
For all songs, I am the director and the creative input – the AI is just my (sometimes a bit headstrong) assistant.
Until early 2024, all my songs (approx. 1,000 tracks) were produced completely without generative AI. Pure craftsmanship.
Since 2024, AI has become part of my toolbox. It's now a colorful mix:
- Some songs are still completely handmade.
- Some are purely prompted.
- Quite often it's hybrid: I build a framework in FL Studio and let the AI build on it, or I use AI only for specific tracks (e.g., vocals or a better violin).
Why don't I label AI songs separately?
I did this briefly, but it often leads to false assumptions.
An example:
I work for two weeks on a complex song, but at the end have the vocals sung by an AI (because I can't sing myself). If I had to mark that as an "AI song", many people would think: "Oh, that was just 2 clicks", when in reality there's a massive amount of work in it.
AI has become a production tool for me, just like a photographer uses Photoshop for post-processing or a programmer uses code assistants. A painter doesn't write on the back of the painting where they bought the paint either.
For all songs, I am the director and the creative input – the AI is just my (sometimes a bit headstrong) assistant.
You're a programmer – do you also use A.I. for the website?
Of course! Since I've specialized in this professionally, this is my playground. It's just a lot of fun to build these technologies yourself instead of buying them in.
In the past, audio analysis ran through external service providers; today my own code handles it "in-house". My A.I. now handles almost everything fully automatically:
The similarity search is also based on A.I.: I calculate vectors for each song and compare them in high-dimensional space (taking genres into account) to suggest the perfect next track.
When programming itself (and often in music too), A.I. is my constant co-pilot. It makes me effectively 10 to 20 times faster. Honestly: I don't know any developer who doesn't use it today – it would be wasted lifetime not to. :)
In the past, audio analysis ran through external service providers; today my own code handles it "in-house". My A.I. now handles almost everything fully automatically:
- Analysis: It breaks down the music technically into its components.
- Texts: Introduction texts and detailed descriptions are generated.
- Organization: Topics, genres, and moods are automatically recognized.
- Highlights: It finds the most exciting moments in the song for the previews.
- Language: All translations on this site come from the machine.
The similarity search is also based on A.I.: I calculate vectors for each song and compare them in high-dimensional space (taking genres into account) to suggest the perfect next track.
When programming itself (and often in music too), A.I. is my constant co-pilot. It makes me effectively 10 to 20 times faster. Honestly: I don't know any developer who doesn't use it today – it would be wasted lifetime not to. :)
Is there a daily download limit per user?
Yes, there is a limit that depending on server load ranges between 20–30 downloads (daily) per user. If you exceed this daily limit, the wait time for each download will be increased to 5–10 minutes for you. It makes no difference whether you're logged in with an account or just a guest – these rules apply to everyone. Yes, that's a lot – but typically nobody needs more than that number of songs in a single day.
With these measures we ensure that all visitors can use the website equally and fairly, and that the server can handle it too.
Tip: Create a user account and use the favorites feature to bookmark your favorite songs for later.
With these measures we ensure that all visitors can use the website equally and fairly, and that the server can handle it too.
Tip: Create a user account and use the favorites feature to bookmark your favorite songs for later.
Why are you no longer on Spotify and other music streaming services?
I hate Spotify – for many reasons – and no longer have a private subscription there. I no longer want to support this rip-off music industry in general, so I've removed all my music from everywhere. Besides, it's all completely free here anyway.
