4. The Economics of Sound Effects in Music 4.1. Copyright and licensing fees Sound effect production and use require consideration of copyright and licensing fees. Generally, sound effects are copyrighted, granting the creator exclusive control over their use, distribution, and reproduction. Royalties, paid to the creator or owner, are associated with copyright ownership (Watt 2023). Sound effects licensing acts as legal documentation that every sound element in the final product was legitimately acquired and that the artists and rights holders were appropriately rewarded. (Creighton 2022). The amount of sound effect license fees are influenced by demand, intended use (commercial or non-commercial), duration of use and so on. More obviously, licensing fees are often associated with the popularity of sound effects because of their recognition in well-known works, such as ’Howie Scream's’ widespread use in movies (i.e., The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Star Wars). The licensing fee prevents songwriters from appropriating other works and promoting the arts (Norek 2004). Licenses for sound effects range from one-time-use licenses to more complex licenses that require periodic payments based on usage and sales. Moreover, the costs associated with these licenses may change based on the conditions of the contract. 4.2. Live Performance Live performances, including concerts, theatrical productions, and live broadcasts, rely on skilled sound creators who provide timely and synchronized sound effects. These professionals use a combination of physical props and electro-acoustic technology to infuse each performance with an element of spontaneity and uniqueness. As a result, revenue is generated through fees for hiring sound creators and ticket sales to audiences. In recent years, the popularity of short videos has given rise to a unique form of sound effects performance and utilization. Certain bloggers and content creators engage in live streaming, where they generate sounds such as the gentle rustle of wind or the calming sound of ocean waves for white noise and sleep-inducing sounds. These live streams cater to specific consumers seeking relaxation and tranquillity, and revenue