I'm not an ipod or MP3 user for music but I want to know if downloading music from the various sources on the web is indeed a legal method of using the music that I may use on my website or slide shows.
I recall the Napster fiasco a few years back and being an artist I'm all to familiar with copyright infringements.
I'm fuzzy on its use on websites Rob, but for slide shows (whether merely public performances or on discs for sale), you're supposed to have a license for use unless the music is royalty free. Small venue slide shows probably aren't an issue, but you are exposing yourself.
There's a bunch of RF music available, and we use it reluctantly. I'd be happy to pay artists for use of their work, but contacting the record labels for permission always opens a rat nest of procedure and ludicrous expenses. The record companies seem to have their heads where the sun doesn't shine when it comes to small uses such as slide shows.
I'm happiest when I contact lesser known artists directly, and the more local the better. They're looking for venues to showcase their music, just like we're trying to get our photoraphy out and about. It can be a match made in heaven. I've even had a couple of musicians offer to compose and perform original music to go with slide shows.
My heartiest recommendation is to play it straight, and go directly to the artists if possible. And if you aren't getting satisfaction, look for artists close to home. You'll find allies rather than obstructions.
Most music you download from the web - if you read all the fine print - is for personal use only. Using it on a web site or with a slide show - especially if commerce is involved - is potentially a violation of your license.
To get legal rights, you have to deal with the publisher. Often, that's one of the majors, and they are a PITA. Hank's suggestion is exactly right. Find an artist who does his/her own publishing, or who will perform out of copyright music for your use.
There is a company -- TripleScoopMusic.com -- that sells original music with an unlimited license. It's $60 per song but unlimited use and there are some Grammy winning artists on the site. Quite a diverse collection. I know it's pricey but if you don't have RF music, it's a thought.
Check with BMI. BMI is an American performing right organization licensing music for 375,000 artists. They should be able to give you the answer to your question and get you licenses for any songs you wish to use if required. Thanks for respecting the rights of our fellow artists!
Posted by Jim Sabiston on March 11, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Rob,
Good answers so far, especially Hank's regarding supporting the local talent. There are a couple of local musicians I would consider approaching in similar circumstances. Using music without permission on your web site IS a usage violation. Whether you are nailed for it depends on the temperment of the copyright holder. Ever hear of the RIAA? Slide shows are low exposure enough that a problem there is pretty unlikely and most artists don't seem to mind this as long as it is a non-profit situation.
Avoid the majors at all costs. They will make you miserable. Go directly to the artist you like or search out the local talent. You may be surprised!
Thanks all, I did look into the license issue and for what I wanted to do it's way too expensive. There is also a question of morals. I see music used that is almost certainly not properly purchased and most likely there will never be an issue but, I have had this happen with my photographs and I don't think people realize that this is indeed theft.
I will look into the local market scene that may result in a win/win situation.
Discussion
6 repliesI recall the Napster fiasco a few years back and being an artist I'm all to familiar with copyright infringements.
There's a bunch of RF music available, and we use it reluctantly. I'd be happy to pay artists for use of their work, but contacting the record labels for permission always opens a rat nest of procedure and ludicrous expenses. The record companies seem to have their heads where the sun doesn't shine when it comes to small uses such as slide shows.
I'm happiest when I contact lesser known artists directly, and the more local the better. They're looking for venues to showcase their music, just like we're trying to get our photoraphy out and about. It can be a match made in heaven. I've even had a couple of musicians offer to compose and perform original music to go with slide shows.
My heartiest recommendation is to play it straight, and go directly to the artists if possible. And if you aren't getting satisfaction, look for artists close to home. You'll find allies rather than obstructions.
To get legal rights, you have to deal with the publisher. Often, that's one of the majors, and they are a PITA. Hank's suggestion is exactly right. Find an artist who does his/her own publishing, or who will perform out of copyright music for your use.
Good answers so far, especially Hank's regarding supporting the local talent. There are a couple of local musicians I would consider approaching in similar circumstances. Using music without permission on your web site IS a usage violation. Whether you are nailed for it depends on the temperment of the copyright holder. Ever hear of the RIAA? Slide shows are low exposure enough that a problem there is pretty unlikely and most artists don't seem to mind this as long as it is a non-profit situation.
Avoid the majors at all costs. They will make you miserable. Go directly to the artist you like or search out the local talent. You may be surprised!
Good luck.
I will look into the local market scene that may result in a win/win situation.