How does this sound? Free music for your podcasts and video soundtracks. Not pirated music. No, I’m talking royalty-free and pre-cleared, completely legal tracks. As long as what you are doing is non-commercial (i.e. not for sale) you’re in good standing with the Free Music Archive, organized by radio station WFMU (beloved of New Jersey) and curated by music pros.

This is a rich and wonderful opportunity for schools and non-profits, and it’s brand new. Free Music Archive just opened officially last month on April 4th. You get instant access: just download those high quality MP3 files. Or stream it. No registration, no fees whatsoever. It couldn’t be easier.  There’s a crazy-wide selection: electronic, spoken word, rock, folk, experimental, historical … everything from John Kimmel playing a mean accordion in 1907, to  brand new chip music. Don’t know what chip music is? Search the free music archive and find out. I did and I’m loving it. If you don’t like it, all I can say is: don’t harsh my buzz.