Can I get in trouble for this?

Question

Ok Im singing a song by an artist on a different beat can I do that? will i get in trouble

This might be a stupid question but i just wanted to know before i post the song on my music Page.
Help Please Thanks

Answer 1

The writer of the original song ( not necessarily the artist who performs it, unless the artist wrote the song) owns all the rights and that includes any versions or interpretations that are derived from the song.

If you post it and take all the credit for the song then that is illegal and you can be subjected to massive fines and prosecutions as well as damages.

If you post it with a reference to the original writer and say something like "my interpretation of/ my version of ................" then it is not a problem. Alternatively if you want to profit from the song you can get the writers permission in return for paying royalties.

Just look at Hammer when he did"cant touch this" and ripped of Rick James "super freak" and Vanilla Ice when he ripped off queen to do "Ice Ice Baby".

Both were bankrupted.

Answer 2

The words and the music of the song, if it had been released commercially would have been registered by the record company for rights.(copyrights)
If you used the notes and the words, you are still violating copyright laws.
Your best bet is to ask the record company for permission to spoof the song, if it becomes commercially successful (your spoof) they can pay you a percentage.

Answer 3

I think you can get introuble, because it is the words and the beat that are copywrited, right?

Answer 4

I dont think so.