Questions before we start recording...

[H2oskiphil]

Need some advice before I start a new project in my basement studio...the one that we've only used for shits-and-giggles demos and karaoke voiceovers up to this point...

I've been contacted by some members of my church and have been asked to produce a CD for submission to OCP, which is a publishing group for Catholic liturgical musicians. The church group wants to record a series of Mass parts that they have written and composed, for licensing and distribution by OCP. I have no doubt about my ability to record, mix, and produce the music-the musicians are VERY good, and most already have studio experience. I've heard the music, and it's as good as anything out there-I have no doubt that it has a good chance of being accepted and distributed.

My questions are along the lines of copyright protection. Who should be responsible for obtaining the copyright-the composers, or me? Are there any professional memberships that I should have (ASCAP, etc..) before the product is licensed? I'm not fooling myself into thinking that this will generate a huge income stream-if anything, any revenue produced will probably go right back to the church. However, I want to make sure my rights and the rights of the composers/writers/performers (I'll probably end up performing on this, as well) are protected before we send anything off to OCP.

I'm sure there are lots of things we haven't thought of-that's the reason for the post. Any experiences shared will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance-we start recording this weekend...