Production Music

Why should I use production music?

First, it's legal to use.  No copyright issues, no artist agreements to work out.
Second, you can use it in competition.  You cannot generally use copyrighted material in contests unless you negotiate the legal issues out with the owner of the rights.
Third, it is inexpensive.  If your masterpiece makes it to Sundance, you may find yourself suddenly having to pay someone a lot of money if you used a song you do not have the rights to use.
fourth, it is anonymous.  It is not attached to anyone's memories.  I.e., you may have had a great experience while listening to a certain song, and so it holds a good feeling for you.  Someone else may have broken up with their boy/girlfriend recently and that same song was "their song" etc., and it holds an entirely different meaning to them.  No one, generally, remembers hearing production music - so it is neutral.

Here are a few resources for production music.  Most are free - or require just the payment of shipping and handling.

Footagefirm

Audionautix

Freeplaymusic