Is Deshima Music a label, an agency or a service provider?

Deshima Music is primarily an independent music label with a production network and licensing structure. Deshima can develop, release, represent, document and prepare music for defined professional uses.

It is not an open platform where anyone simply uploads music, and it is not an anonymous service provider where music is ordered like a standard product.

What is the difference between Deshima Music and Deshima Sessions?

Deshima Music gives the music structure: label work, releases, catalog, rights, licensing and long-term value.

Deshima Sessions brings the right people together for production: musicians, producers, vocalists, songwriters, engineers and creative partners.

Is Deshima Sessions a fixed band?

No. Deshima Sessions is not a fixed band lineup and not a public roster.

It is a curated production model. Depending on the project, different musicians, singers, producers, engineers or creative partners may be involved. The network stays flexible. The creative direction stays clear.

How are contributors selected?

Contributors are selected according to the needs of the project. The goal is not to put as many names as possible on a list, but to find the right people and production methods for the right song or use case.

A project may need a specific voice, a particular guitar tone, organically recorded drums, precisely programmed beats, samples, hybrid production, sound design or experience with film cues.

Can I browse the full Deshima catalog publicly?

No. The Deshima catalog is not designed as a large public music library where users scroll through hundreds of tracks.

Access is available by request. Deshima can provide selected tracks, listening access or a focused shortlist once it is clear what the music is needed for.

Why is there no open mass catalog?

Because Deshima is not meant to work like an anonymous stock music shop. An open mass catalog often creates false expectations: someone hears something, uses it incorrectly or realizes too late that rights, files or versions do not fit.

Deshima works differently: first the need is understood, then the right music and the required usage rights are checked.

What does listening access mean?

Listening access means that selected music can be heard for evaluation. It gives an impression of sound, mood, production quality and direction.

Listening access does not mean the music may already be used. Listening means evaluation. Licensing means permission to use.

Can I use a track after listening to it?

No. Listening to a track is not permission to use it.

A track may only be used after the intended use has been clarified in writing and licensed. This applies to videos, films, trailers, games, podcasts, social media, advertising, uploads, remixes, samples, NFTs and any other public or commercial use.

Preview is not a license.

What is a focused shortlist?

A focused shortlist is a small selection of suitable tracks or production options.

Instead of sending a large catalog, Deshima prepares music that fits the project. It helps clarify whether mood, timing, medium, versions, files and licensing options match the intended use.

What does licensing mean at Deshima?

Licensing means that music is cleared for a specific use. It defines where, how, how long and in what context the music may be used.

An Instagram reel, a feature film, a game trailer, a podcast intro and an international advertising campaign are not the same type of use.

What needs to be clarified before a license?

• What is the project?
• Where and on which platforms will the music be used?
• Which territory and term are required?
• Is exclusivity needed?
• Are masters, instrumentals, edits, stems or multitracks required?
• Which credits should or must be given?

How much does a Deshima license cost?

That depends on the use. A small editorial use, a social media format, a trailer, a game, a podcast, an image film or an exclusive brand campaign can have very different requirements.

For that reason, Deshima does not provide meaningful flat pricing without context. First, the actual use has to be clear.

Which files can Deshima deliver?

That depends on the project and the agreement. Possible deliveries may include final masters, instrumental versions, edits, shorter versions, alternate versions, media versions, technical delivery notes, metadata and licensing documentation.

Not every file is automatically part of every license.

What is a master?

A master is the final finished audio file of a track. It is the version normally intended for release, use or delivery.

A master is not the same as individual tracks, stems or open production files.

What is an instrumental?

An instrumental is a version without the main vocal. It can be useful for film, advertising, trailers, voiceover, social media, games, podcasts or other formats where dialogue, speech or picture needs space.

What is an edit?

An edit is an adjusted version of a track. This can be a shorter version, a version with a different intro, a loop, a trailer edit, a social media edit or a version with a clean ending.

What are stems?

Stems are grouped elements of individual tracks, for example drums, bass, guitars, vocals, backing vocals, synths, effects, percussion or orchestral elements.

Because stems allow deeper access to the production, they are not automatically included. They require a separate agreement.

What are multitracks or session files?

Multitracks are individual recorded tracks of a production. Session files are the actual working files from the production environment.

They can contain takes, raw recordings, plugin settings, arrangements, layers and edits. For that reason, they are more sensitive than a finished master and are only available by separate written agreement.

Who is Deshima for?

Deshima is for people and projects that do not just need music as a file, but as a professional part of a wider context.

• Music supervisors, filmmakers and trailer editors
• Game teams, brands, agencies and creators
• Artists, bands, campaigns and Web3 projects

What does picture-aware music mean?

Picture-aware music is music that works with images, scenes and editing. It considers how music interacts with dialogue, voiceover, visual rhythm, tension, transitions and edit points.

Good music for picture supports the scene. It does not overpower it.

Can film, trailer, game or brand projects request music?

Yes, if the project, rights and music fit together. Deshima can check suitable tracks, edits, instrumentals, alternate versions or production support.

The exact use must be clarified before licensing.

Can artists or bands request production support?

Yes, for selected projects. Deshima can support arrangement, sound direction, pre-production, guide tracks, remote layers, session contributions, custom versions and production planning.

This does not mean that every request is automatically accepted.

Are all contributors publicly credited?

Not necessarily. Some contributors can be credited publicly when this is wanted and allowed. Others may remain private because of management, label, privacy or project-specific agreements.

Public visibility and internal documentation are two different things.

What do credits from session professionals mean?

A session professional may have their own public credits from film, streaming, broadcast, games, brand projects or label productions. These credits belong to the individual professional.

They do not automatically mean that Deshima works with those brands, studios or platforms.

Who is responsible for the creative direction?

Chris “Schulle” Schulze is responsible for the creative direction, curates the network and remains the central contact for production, licensing and delivery.

The network can reach far. Accountability stays close.

Who supports communication and documentation?

Jasper Bode supports communication, request coordination, documentation and operational processes. This helps keep inquiries, delivery details, licensing preparation and project coordination structured.

What should I include in my first inquiry?

• What is the project?
• Where will the music be used?
• What mood or reference is needed?
• Is there a deadline?
• Is exclusivity needed?
• Are masters, edits, instrumentals, stems or multitracks required?

Does buying Deshima merch grant music rights?

No. Merch and music rights are separate areas. A merch purchase supports the Deshima world and makes the culture visible. It does not include any music usage rights.