Music Copyright?

Question

Is it illegal to use other's music or song in a performance?
What about amateur bands singing other's songs in a local pub or oneself singing in a karaoke bar?

Answer 1

Yes, it is illegal. The thing is, most copyright holders don't go after amateur bands because:

1. the amount of money they are making is too small to justify the cost of the lawsuit, and
2. the publicity is actually good for them.

Answer 2

Technically it's illegal. If you read the copyright notice on any store bought CD and you'll see it says "All rights reserved. Unauthorised copying, reproduction, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting prohibited" or words to that effect (it varies from label to label).

However as others have pointed out, it's not normally an issue until the profits start to pile up. However if you want to keep on the right side of the law either join a performance rights organisation and pay as required or contact the copyright owners by letter seeking licensing terms and prices (set out exactly your intended use of the song).

Answer 3

Using a song in a performance is not a violation of the copyright unlike recording a song made by another and selling it which is the one prohibited by the Copyright Law.

Answer 4

If you're using someone else's music to make money, you have entered into a gray area of breaking the law. I say "gray" because, by law, it is illegal, but in reality it's done every day by thousands of artists. The only time that it goes to court is when the sum of money being made illegally starts reaching into the thousands of dollars.

Answer 5

Good question. Technically, you are suppose to get permission if you are getting paid to perform.