Cover Bands...?

  • Thread starter Thread starter DanteAlighieri
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
D

DanteAlighieri

Guest
This is a somewhat petty issue, compared to ABC and abortion and cohabitation, but I need some help.

Given: we are obliged to obey just authority.

Assumption: copyright law forbids performing copyrighted songs without permission of the copyright holder.

It stands to reason, then, that it is wrong to play in a cover band that performs music by other artists.

So…

Is there anyone here who knows whether or not it is legal to do so?

Is there anyone who has a different take on this issue (NOTE: “I don’t think it’s a big deal” and “Nobody enforces it” are not sufficient responses)?

Peace,
Dante
 
There is a way to get a license to perform or record copyrighted songs through the music publishing industry. When you see professional cover bands that play at weddings, clubs and corporate events, they use such a license. At our church we also have a similar blanket license from each of the major publishing organizations to cover the performance of the music and the printing of the lyrics in our song sheets.

You can find the info online if you do a search.
 
Okay, I’ll bite.

Radio stations and other media outlets pay license fees to ASCAP and BMI for playing the recordings of music and such.

I believe the money goes to the composer of the song (American Society of Composers,Authors and Publishes).

So, go to ascap.com and figure this out.
 
Either the artist, or the venue must pay a licensing fee to the copyright holder. Almost all venues you’ll see cover bands playing at pay such a fee annually as part of their operation, thus protecting the artists who perform there.
 
DanteAlighieri said:
This is a somewhat petty issue, compared to ABC and abortion and cohabitation, but I need some help.

Given: we are obliged to obey just authority.

Assumption: copyright law forbids performing copyrighted songs without permission of the copyright holder.

It stands to reason, then, that it is wrong to play in a cover band that performs music by other artists.

So…

Is there anyone here who knows whether or not it is legal to do so?

Is there anyone who has a different take on this issue (NOTE: “I don’t think it’s a big deal” and “Nobody enforces it” are not sufficient responses)?

Peace,
Dante
Click to expand...
It looks like the questions have been answered. Now, is the name of your band Inferno? 😃
 
I am a Musician and I want to make a C D and make a few copies to give to friends. This is not for profit. The publishers are the people I had to get permission from before I do it. Each of them gave me permission as long as I do not make a profit… A few did not answer

I wrote to them personally as it was only a few publishers. It can also be done through the Copyright Association.

If the band is making a profit then Royalties must be paid to the Publishers and or the places where you .perform has a copyright Licence.

The peanalities are stiff for violation of the Copyright laws

The best thing to do is contact the Copyright Association. They will give you the right advice.

Mayo.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top