Re: Recorded published songs

Mary Pate <pate[_at_]invocon.com> wrote:
>
> Suppose someone wants to make a tape of songs that have been
> previously recorded/published by other artists, but singing
> the songs himself. Who or by what means should he pursue to get
> permission to record those songs himself? Is there a difference
> if he just gives tapes away to people or sells them.

What is needed here is a mechanical license--the license to make a new recording (or "cover") of someone else's song. Such a license is obtained from the owners of the copyright in the song, NOT from the prior artists who performed it. The vast majority of song copyright owners use the Harry Fox Agency as their agent for mechanical licensing. I'd suggest that your friend start by contacting Harry Fox Agency with the titles of the songs he wants to cover. The license fee is based on the number of songs used and the number of tapes distributed, regardless of whether they are sold or given away. The HFA Web site, containing lots of useful info on mechanical licensing, is at:

   http://www.nmpa.org/hfa.html

Bob Cumbow
<cumbr[_at_]perkinscoie.com> Received on Wed Jul 30 1997 - 15:49:08 GMT