Karaoke Voice over recording

Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2003 11:01 am

I've had a few people ask if I would record their Vocals over their Karaoke songs. What kind of Legal issues could I run into here? Obviosly it would be illegal for them to try to sell copies of it, but is it legal for me to record them for their own personal use? Should I have them sign some kind of indemnity form. Anyone have such a form?

<small>[ October 17, 2003, 03:11 PM: Message edited by: tripnek ]</small>

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2003 3:04 pm

I believe that the person would need to secure a master use license and a mechanical license.

I use a simple form that each client signs, if they are recording any cover songs that releases me from being responsible for securing the necessary licenses for the recordings.

This is it:
http://www.transitstudios.net/guest/cover_song_contract.pdf
(the quality is pretty bad. I had to compress it alot to make it a decent size, but you can read everything it says)

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2003 4:06 pm

There are no issues for the studio. The artist needs to contact Harry Fox agency in new York City (NEW YORK CITY!) and arrange payment for the use of the songs. I think this is something like 10 cents per song, per copy. So if someone were to press 1000 CDs with 14 cover songs, they would owe $1.40 for each CD pressed or $1400. Harry Fox handles about 95% of the songs in the pop market.. If they don't have the song on their list, then you need to contact the publisher and see who handles those particular songs..

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2003 9:53 am

Kurt is right, if they will be sold you need to talk to Harry F. BUT, if they are not for sale, record away, you are not breaking the law!

Another point...Most Karaoke songs are recorded by some lame band, covering the original. I wonder what the legal issues are for selling "your cover, of their cover" ?? Get my point.
I'm sure it has to do with the original writer of the song. It always goes back to them.

Mike

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