Copyright laws

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 7:17 am

We are about to do a remake of a song and am wondering about the permissions thing.

We don't plan on making any money on it. We're not going to sell it under a label or anything and will most likely only post it as a "good listen" type of thing.

Important to note - the music will almost entirely be original with no sampling of the original. The only thing we are copying is the lyrics and even those won't be sung exactly (kind of close).

Anybody know the specifics of this??

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:27 am

Call ASCAP or BMI. Or an attorney.
You should not ask about legal in a music forum.
It could cost you big.

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:46 pm

I think what he meant was that you should not rely on the legal advice given on a forum.

Are you planning only to perform this song or are you going to record it...possible put it on a website or a CD/TAPE/RECORD/MP3PLAYER?

You really don't have to worry about it if you are just going to be performing the song. There are thousands of cover bands that jam other peoples tunes hassle free.

But recording it is a different matter. Sure, you're not planning on profiting from the song but what if it's great, a huge hit and people start demanding it all over the world. Ah.. then you would be in a tough spot.

Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 6:47 am

It's a no brainer, if you use anything from the original (except chord changes - chord changes can't be copyrighted) then you need permission. The easiest place to find out who handles the copyrights for a particular song is not ASCAP or BMI but the Harry Fox agency. Check out their website and their great search function. In all likelihood you'll find out who to contact and what's involved.

Good luck.

Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 6:34 am

If you are worried about this I would check with an entertainment lawyer. What people say here is worth nothing in court if you are sued. There are companies (like the RIAA) that are just looking for someone to do something that they can be sued for. Best to be safe than sorry!

Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 6:56 pm

Thanks for the replies!!

I went to the Harry Fox website and they didn't have the rights and I got the screen that told me to look for the original label.

Off to ASCAP and they will charg $340 (if I have it right. There form is a little confusing) for internet rights. There is a number of songs to be downloaded a day (not the 2,500 a year or so that Harry Fox charges - cool place if they had the rights) and then they charge upwords for different things (of course).

That was the reason for this post. I just wanted to be pointed in the right direction. Thanks again!!

Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:04 pm

fuck it, take a chance, they prolly wont find you...

Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:54 pm

Great input!! Im sure he's gonna benefit from your advice. who cares if its 6 months late.

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