recording existing lyrics

[Grandy]

I just started home recording and would like to find the procedure for recording a song for distribution that I did not write and since I'm not a writer that includes most of them. I know about public domain and I know when you record someone elses music you have to pay royalties,but who gets them,how much,and how do you go about it????All the books Ive read about recording seem to assume youre the writer and you're pushing your own songs.any help?
Thanks

 

[Queue]

Grandy,
Depends on what you intend to do with your recordings. If you're just recording cover songs (songs written by others) for your own use or to learn about recording, you probably don't need to worry about royalties.

If you are recording cover songs with the intent to distribute and sell these recordings, you'll need to license the rights to do so.

The Harry Fox Agency has some pretty extensive information on this topic, from both points of view (the writer and the publisher/distributor).

Harry Fox Agency Website

Queue

 

[old guy]

Recording Lyrics

Grandy...I can't speak for the states, but up here, you know. igloos, fur trappers and all that sh*t, You have to contact the publishing compay who in turn will put you in touch with the owner of the copyright, from which you request a "release" whereupon you get into the inevitavle contract/ agreement signing, and they can differ a fair bit from one to the other. Like Queue stated, if it's for your own personal use, ie. You not looking to make money off it, then don't worry about it. Don't get paranoid. Good Luck..