Copyright question

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Skyline609

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I recently did a remix of the Dave Matthews Band's song, "So Much To Say". Well kinda of, i dont have the best tools, just a keyboard, and a mixer, and my mind. But i was wondering if there was any way i can get this protected or is that even allowed cause it isnt my song, i just remixed it. Does anyone know the policies for this kinda thing. I want to start giving it out, but im not sure if someone is gonna take it and say they did it, and ill wind up getting shot up bad at the end. Thanks.
 
You may be able to get a SR copywrite...That is where you copywrite the sound and recording of apeice "ie the performance" but not the writeing and creation of the work ..Go to your local library the forms are there.
 
Exactly, what do you mean by "remix"? Exactly what did you do?

Everything is legal as long as no money is made; and even then, no one cares until it starts making a significant amount.

Let us know exactly what you did... Then we can talk about what you can and can't do with it until you get legal permission.
 
Thanks for the response guys,
As far as what I did with this song: I basically took the original CD cut of the song- and kinda made a new version, a dance mix i guess you could say. Basically the song and how it moves is the same exact thing as the CD version so the original mix is still there, but I put a dance groove on top of it, added a few effects here and there, couple new parts, and i extended the beginning and the end just a bit with some original parts. Overall, Its the same song, with new stuff over top, its clearly different from the original, but the old song is still there.
 
No matter what you did to the song, you'll need permission from the
author(s) before you can apply for another copyright for the same song.

[This message has been edited by hixmix (edited 03-02-2000).]
 
Yeah. If the only thing you want to do with it is just copyright it for right now, you'll need legal permission from both the PA copyright holder and the SR copyright holder.
It's basicly a common courtesy even if money will not be made. But, if any money is made from your copyright (which will be an arrangement copyright), they're entitled to their cut (both the PA and SR holders); which most likely will be nearly everything made.

Some require an initial "down payment" for permission (the SR copyright part); the amount will depend on how popular the song is. If it's going to be recognized by most everyone, expect to pay quite a bit. And then, then their will the "per unit" part of nearly all SR copyright permissions.

I'd expect to pay quite a bit for a Dave Matthew's Band song; which will most likely require that "down payment" for the SR copyright part I was talking about; simply just to copyright your arrangement. You probably won't need to pay-out money up-front for the PA copyright part to copyright your own arrangement, but as I said. It's a common courtesy to still get legal permission though.
 
Thanks recording engineer, and everyone that is excellent information. Ill look into it. How do i go about contacting these copyrighters? Is there a way i can them up?
 
Oh if anyone wants to hear a shortened version so you can here what i tried to do to it, id be glad to send you it. Unfortunately, my email isnt working. I am going to set up a idrive account, until then any could instant message me for it (2 meg mp3) at skyline609. thanks again

[This message has been edited by Skyline609 (edited 03-02-2000).]
 
Unless you know Dave Matthews personally you might begin by contacting the publishing company of the song. The publishing company's name should appear somewhere in the CD package.
 
hixmix got to you before I did... And he's right.
 
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