Recording cover songs.Copywrite issues.

  • Thread starter Thread starter greenengineer
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greenengineer

greenengineer

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Is it legal to record versions of other bands songs?Does a song have to be so old before you can record it yourself or not?
 
It's not illegal to record it. But it's illegal to sell it without going through the proper procedure. Having said that, if you ever sell enough copies that anyone actually notices then you're doing pretty well. :D
 
You can buy licences, I know in Ireland you have to go through IMRO
 
greenengineer, I see you're in New York. Google "Harry Fox Agency", which is the licensing agency for most songs in the U.S. if I'm not mistaken.
 
Technically, you can record it. It's sharing it with the public that's the problem...like RAMI said, you can't sell it without a license. But you also can't just put it up for free listen on Myspace or Soundcloud or whatever either without a license (technically you CAN, but it's illegal :D).
 
If it's Bohemian Rhapsody or Sweet Child of Mine, it's definitely illegal, and in some states capital punishment is applied.
 
Good thing this is here so I don't have to start a thread for my question :D:

So then,
If I were to make a covers/remix/whatever 'album' and put it up for free download.
The fact that no one would notice it anyway notwithstanding- it wouldn't be legal :(?
 
kidkage said:
If I were to make a covers/remix/whatever 'album' and put it up for free download.
The fact that no one would notice it anyway notwithstanding- it wouldn't be legal :(?
Click to expand...

Correct. It would be illegal whether you charged or distributed it free of charge. It's the unauthorised distribution that is the problem.
 
:(


I'm tempted to take my chances on the grounds that no one will notice anyway. but still. Not sure if I'd feel comfortable breaking laws.
Knowing my luck they would probably google themselves or "_____ free download" and find me :laughings:
and my only recognition would be to be hated by my favorite artists for distributing crappily performed covers of their material :D
 
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