Copyrighting songs - is it neccessary?

Question

my friend creates really nice beats and have already made a couple of them. he is thinking of selling it to other people, and he also deciding if he should just create an album.

so if he creates a song,and plans to make it public, does he need to copyright it? what if he decides to make an album, does he need a record label to sign with?

also what are the benefits of creating your own record label?

thanks.

Answer 1

Hi chinounarce,

Yes, if you've made music, even if they are beats with samples from other recordings, and you want to sell them you should copyright them. The recording association in your country will gladly give you more information if you contact them. If you don't anyone can just copy it and start selling it (actually it's a bit more complicated but that's basically it). (if you've used samples of course you'll need to clear their copyrights!)

There's two ways you can sell music you've made. You can record it and sell the recordings (or reproductions) and keep the rights or you can sell the rights. If you sell the rights you cannot sell recordings of it yourself anymore.

If you make a deal with a record company you should keep the rights to your work and license it to the record company. A good reason for making a deal with a record company is that they'll give you money upfront and they'll use their organisation to market and sell your work, or at least they should. Some record companies are really crooked, always have a knowledgable lawyer represent you when signing with a record company! Find a good musicians union to advise you on that.

The benefit of creating your own record label is much more profit if you're succesful and the downside is much more trouble if you're not.

I hope this helps, let me know if you have anymore questions and good luck!

Answer 2

He doesn't HAVE to copyright it, but he should, assuming beats are copyrightable in the first place. If he doesn't, someone else might, and reap the rewards of your friend's labor.

People can make their own records; why not? It's probably expensive though.

Answer 3

My significant other is a musician, he says yes you can copyright a beat, a baseline of music even if you don't have the lyrics to go with it. However if you SELL it to someone, the rights all transfer over to the new owner. It's no longer yours.

Answer 4

copyright is the good idea that means no one can steal the idea and yes making own record label is good it gives your company identity

http://www.citybuzzer.com/