(COPYRIGHT Q)there is this radio open mic thing where you send in your cd and they play it on the radio?

Question

can i use a song that i dont own for exaple can i sing born in the usa by bruce springsteen record it and let them pllay it on the radio even though i dont own it?

Answer 1

i don't know what country you are in, but in the USA, broadcast stations pay ASCAP and BMI for music performace, and it doesn't matter who made the recording. these fees go to the compsoser. So it is perfectly legal and the stations have standing agreements with ASCAP etc, for doing this. The station may ask composer info from you for selections that are not obvious for data reporting requirements.

Answer 2

Actually, in this particular instance, the COPYRIGHT violation would be of the author of the piece.

This situation is CLEARLY not for personal use but for broadcast and case law is clear on the matter. You need copyright releases from the lyricist, the composer and in the case of a recording of Bruce Springsteen's performance of the music, his permission.

Also, all three (or the particular two you will need for this project) are most likely owned by the music publishing house who released the initial recording so check with them.

Answer 3

There is no violation of the Copyright Law when a song is only recorded and played for personal use and not for sale.