legal or illegal?

[clevodrummer]

I have a question. I am embarking on recording a tape of just myself on all instruments playing a few original compositions,and covering some popular songs. Is it legal to , lets say, record a Beatles song with my endeavor, and than sell my tape on gigs?

In other words, can you record your own versions of popular songs and than sell them? Or are you not allowed to do that without the artists permission.

I seriously doubt Paul McCartney will get back to me if I send him an email and ask if it o.k. if record "Yesterday"


Thanks all,

Clevodrummer

[metal_god]

its not illegal you just have to pay a certain amount depending on how many you press its only a small amount say if you press 500 copies its like £10 - 15 in royalties thats it.

I asked this question to a guest speaker at college from The Musicians Union thats how I know.

[irishfolker]

It's called a mechanical fee and the rate is now 9.5 cents per copy. In other words, $47.50 per 500 copies.

In the U.S.

[metal_god]

that would make it around £25 UK for 500 copies thanks for that couldnt remember what it was called.

[JoeBannon]

Now you just need to know where to mail the check.

[Tim Brown]

The Harry Fox Agency handles that.

http://www.harryfox.com/index.jsp



Tim

[JoeBannon]

Rock on man.