Who knows Copyright Laws?

[wantabe]

What's the rule of thumb to use in home recording when it comes to Copyright Laws?
Besides "protect my own behind!!!!!"
When an artist wants to record someone elses song (non-original material) do I have to get permission even if there just doing demos or 100 or less copies? Not referring to using soundtracs. Actually laying drms, kybds, vocals, etc. The whole thing. Probably even modifying them to their own style. Does anybody know?

Where can I get more info.?

Thanks.

[nubius]

Theoretically, before you cover someone else's material you should get permission from the publisher/record company.
In reality, this is never done for bands producing demos or gigging around because it's too difficult to police. Copyright infringement doesn't usually become an issue until someone has made some serious money off someone else's creation.

That said, it is far easier just not to bother with cover versions when sending out demos. Try and stick to original material - that's what'll get you signed.

[Middleman]

Yeah, you really need to either use your own materials or pay up on the royalties, This is the law of the land on copyrights.

If your in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and your only selling to locals you probably have little to worry about however, you are breaking the law.

[wantabe]

"Breaking the Law" is definately what I don't want to do! With that said, how do I go about it? Should I leave the "search procedure" to gain permission to the artist or is that suppose to be my job as an engineer? Obviously, I get the point it has to be done, or not recorded. This is a real pain. My friends wants to put one song on a tape that's not an original. Maybe I can change their minds. It seems that would be the easiest way to go.

There's got to be some place to get some literature on this type of stuff, right? Any Ideas?

Thanks for the help!!!!!!!!