Back Side Records

As musicians, there are always artists that have gone before us, who actually inspire us, and will continue to do so. There are times when we want to play their music, perhaps at weddings, when playing for a ‘cover band’ or even when putting out your own CD (take Duran Duran’s “Tribute”, for example).

Of course, you can’t just play their music without a license, and without paying them a royalty as well.

So, how do you get a license to reproduce a song?
Here’s what you need to do to get permission to reproduce a song while also ensuring that the owner gets his or her due:

#1: Finding the copyright holder
Right off the bat, all you need to do is find the copyright holder of the song that you want to release, and pay them royalties for the music that you wish to perform. All you have to do is look for this information at the websites of BMI, ASCAP and SESAC. You can clarify the copyright owners by checking for information at the Music Publishers Association as well.

#2: The US Copyright Office
Now, you will also have to deal with the copyright office in order to obtain the license while also paying the royalty fees for the number of units that you would like to sell as an artist or band. They will send you a written agreement to get your signature and will issue the license, and send you a copy of that as well, for your records.

These two steps will ensure that you won’t face lawsuits later for copyright infringement!