If you’re an aspiring producer, DJ, or music enthusiast, having access to individual audio stems from tracks can be a game-changer. Stems are the separate audio files for each instrument or vocal in a track, allowing you to remix, mashup, or use parts of the song creatively isolate vocals. While some artists and labels offer free stems for remix contests or collaboration purposes, others may not make them readily available. But what if you want to get stems from any track?
In this blog post, we’ll walk through some of the best ways to extract free audio stems from songs, either legally or through creative tools. Let’s dive into how you can obtain stems without breaking the bank.
1. Check Platforms Offering Free Stems
Some platforms and websites offer free stems for remixing and music production. These are usually released by artists or labels who want their work to be remixed by other creators.
a. Splice Sounds
Splice is one of the leading platforms for music creators. While Splice is primarily a paid service, it provides access to a huge library of high-quality audio samples and stems. You can often find entire stems of tracks that are available for download.
b. Free Music Archive (FMA)
Free Music Archive offers a collection of free tracks, many of which include downloadable stems. This is a great resource for remixers and musicians looking for new material to work with.
c. Label Websites and Artist Offers
Many record labels or independent artists will occasionally release stems for free as part of remix contests or special promotions. These might be found on the artist’s or label’s website or through their social media channels. Keep an eye on these promotions for opportunities to grab stems for free.
2. Use Stems Extraction Tools
There are several software tools and online services that allow you to extract stems from any track. While the results may not be perfect, especially for complex tracks, they can still provide useful starting points.
a. iZotope RX
iZotope RX is one of the most powerful audio editing suites available today. It includes a feature called “Music Rebalance,” which allows you to isolate different components of a track (such as vocals, drums, bass, etc.) into separate stems. Although this is a paid service, you can try out the software with a free trial and extract stems for free during that time.
b. Spleeter by Deezer
Spleeter is an open-source tool developed by Deezer that allows you to extract stems from audio tracks. It uses machine learning to split songs into separate parts, such as vocals, drums, bass, and more. You can download Spleeter for free and use it to separate audio into different stems. While the results can vary depending on the track, it’s a great tool for remixers looking for free stem extraction.
c. PhonicMind
PhonicMind is an AI-powered tool that isolates vocals, drums, bass, and other parts of a track. It offers a paid service but provides a limited number of free stems when you first sign up. It’s a good choice for remixers who want to work with specific elements of a track without having to deal with complex audio editing.
3. Online Stem Separation Websites
Some websites offer free stem separation with limited features. These websites typically work by allowing you to upload an audio file, which they then process to separate into stems.
a. Moises.ai
Moises.ai uses artificial intelligence to separate music tracks into stems. You can upload a song and separate it into vocals, drums, bass, and other elements. The free version offers limited access, but it can be a good tool for anyone wanting to extract basic stems.
b. Vocal Remover
Vocal Remover is another online tool that isolates vocals and removes them from a song. This is a helpful tool if you want to work with an instrumental version of a track. While it focuses primarily on vocals, you can also use it to isolate certain elements to a degree.
c. Audio Separator by X-Mix
X-Mix offers an audio separator tool that allows you to upload a song and extract basic stems like vocals and instrumental tracks. It’s free to use, though you may face limitations on the number of files you can process at once.
4. Use Remix Packs and Sample Libraries
If you’re looking for stems to create something entirely new, consider checking out remix packs or sample libraries. These resources contain pre-made stems from popular songs or original music production elements you can use freely. Many producers offer free remix packs, especially if the track is open for remixes or in the public domain.
a. Loopmasters
Loopmasters is a leading provider of sample libraries. Some of their sample packs include free stems for remixing and music production. Signing up for their newsletter can give you access to free downloads and exclusive offers.
b. Cymatics
Cymatics offers a variety of free sample packs, and some of them include stems from popular songs or original compositions. This can be a great way to add professional-quality sounds to your music projects.
5. Search for Open-Source or Public Domain Music
Another legal option is to look for open-source or public domain music. These types of tracks often come with more lenient licenses, allowing you to remix and repurpose them without restrictions. Many websites offer free public domain music that you can use to extract stems or build your own remixes.
a. Internet Archive
The Internet Archive is a massive library of public domain audio recordings. You can browse through different genres and find songs that are free to use. Some tracks may already have stems available or be available for you to remix from the start.
b. Jamendo
Jamendo is a platform that offers free music from independent artists. Many of the songs are available under Creative Commons licenses, which allows you to remix and share them. Some artists even offer free stems for their tracks, so it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for royalty-free music to work with.
6. Legal Considerations and Copyright Laws
While extracting stems from tracks can be exciting, it’s important to remember that many tracks are copyrighted. Using stems from copyrighted songs without permission can lead to legal issues. Be sure to respect the licenses and intellectual property rights of the artists you’re working with.
If you want to remix a track legally, look for stems that are explicitly available for remixing or offered under a Creative Commons license. Remix contests often come with clear terms that allow you to use the stems provided.
Conclusion
Getting free audio stems from any track is possible, but it requires some creativity and research. Whether you’re using stem extraction software, remix packs, or looking for open-source music, there are plenty of resources available for producers and music lovers alike. Just be sure to follow the legal guidelines when using stems in your projects to avoid copyright infringement.