<p>angst, i really don't think you're going to have any problems uploading any of your material. if you're talking about a website. there are very restrictive laws, but, those are intended for situations where people are making money and not paying proper fees to the people who deserve it. And their real concern is in the big money. they really aren't concerned with a kid who is promoting a demo. It's pretty common to put this sort of thing on the web. You certainly want to be careful what you do with music, but, it's not you and me that they're after. They're concerned with the big money. and yeah, you just have to look into it. like i said, a remake is still someone else's lyrics and melody and you have that publisher to deal with. but, i think you already understand that. i don't mean to tell you what you already know. i just remember struggling to get info and understand all the copywrite stuff. it's very confusing. but, again, you're not in much jeopardy unless you start raking it in, then they'll want a piece of it. hope that helps. this is just some general info we've gleaned from our process. depending on how far you want to take this, a good music attorney can be very helpful. best of luck to you.</p>
<p>Just wanted to say that I don't mean to be unsupportive. And it does seem that you're doing the right things. I know this is fun and wonderful. There's nothing like hearing your child's voice on tape for the first time. Have a great time with it and take it as far as it will lead you. I've probably shared all I know about this process with you at this point, so I just wanted to come back with all my best thoughts for you and wish you the best.</p>
<p>Angst, there are steps which must be taken if you're recording a cover of another artist's song. You need to identify the owner of the copyright, typically a publisher like BMI, ASCAP, Harry Fox (permission necessary for distributing hard copies of cd), etc. If you have difficulty finding the owner of the song copyright, you should write to the U.S. Copyright Office.</p>
<p>Once you have the information on the publisher, you must send a letter of intent for each song you plan to make available for download. This letter must be sent 30 days prior to your making them available. You should send it by registered mail and include your name, your intent to seek a compulsory license to the song, your address, the title of the song, expected first date of distribution, your band or singer's name, and signatures.</p>
<p>Once you begin distributing it, you are legally obligated to pay royalties, whether or not you are selling it or giving it away. Monthly statements of royalties must be sent by registered mail, and include much the same information as in the letter of intent, but also including the length of your cover of the song, number of times it was downloaded, total royalty payable, etc. (Royalty fees are set by the government, which is typically 8 1/2 cents for under five minutes).</p>
<p>Live performances of covers have their own separate set of regulations. </p>
<p>There are definitely rules which should be followed, regardless of whether or not she is just shopping a demo or offering songs for download on a website. Although it may be true that most enforcement is lax in the area of copyrights, it's not worth the potential for trouble if she is truly interested in a career in this area. If you'd like some further information and websites to read on the subject, PM me.</p>
<p>All the best to her in her efforts!</p>
<p>There you go, that's the kind of info you need. there's someone who obviously knows all the ins and outs of this. I was on the right track but only know a little about it. this is good info for many on here I'm sure.</p>
<p>Originally we were going to use Karaoke tapes and I found a legal karaoke site and read that using them is acceptable for a demo. Of course we are not using Karaoke now...we have 2 originals and 1 cover..though we can make that 3 originals. I have been looking for info on using a cover for demo purposes and found mixed answers..
Here is one thing I found..</p>
<p>If you are recording a cover version YOU are responsible for obtaining permission for use from the artist, publisher or recording company who owns the copyright. Acceptable use for a covers song usually includes non-commercial use i.e, a demo for bookers, agents, managers or A&R, however, if you intend to record cover versions with the intention of selling the CD at gigs, radio airplay or release then you MUST obtain permission and pay any fees required.</p>
<p>Angst, the issue isn't the music, in particular, but rather the songs themselves. Unless you got that information you posted as an official legal written opinion from a reputable music business law firm, I wouldn't rely on it. Since you didn't PM me and since others here may be interested, here is a link to some information regarding recording covers. Of particular interest is this paragraph:</p>
<p>"There are no exceptions to having to license music if you are
recording a cover song. It doesn't matter whether you are planning on
selling the limited number of copies you make (even one or two) or
using them as audition/promo material."</p>
<p>If you are working with a music producer on this demo, he should be advising you regarding these issues, even if it is not his personal responsibility to obtain the licenses. It seems to me that you might want to consult a lawyer on these issues so as to avoid any problems in the future.</p>
<p>I saw that site you linked to some time ago. But then I saw other info that disagreed with that.
I will need to do additional research.
Thanks for your help with it.</p>
<p>The best place to go is <a href="http://www.copyright.gov%5B/url%5D">www.copyright.gov</a>. This is the US Government site and goes into great detail about what is "fair use" of copyrighted material and what isn't.</p>
<p>Its ready! I will be sending a link to all who asked within the next couple days...! Thanks for all the support here.</p>
<p>aww yay!! by what email?</p>
<p>Tomorrow (the 27th ) is her 16th Birthday. I will be sending the link to everyone who asked tomorrow to them privately!</p>
<p>A few things..</p>
<p>There are a couple small spelling errors on the site and we are aware of these so they will be corrected (but not before you get the link).</p>
<p>This is a demo..if we had more time to work in the studio, we may have polished a few things a bit more (we did one marathon long session) .. we are very happy with the outcome the way it is and feel it represents her style and voice very well...</p>
<p>The first two songs were written by her with some help from the producer and the last song is all his and she sang it for him as a demo artist..we are debating if we will put that song on the final demo or a cover song she recorded (which is not at the site).</p>
<p>The final demo (hard copy) will be taking more time as we decide how to do the label and jewel case etc..this is such a learning process.</p>
<p>Please click on artists page for ALL 3 songs when I send you the link tomorrow.</p>
<p>Thanks all for your wonderful support!</p>
<p>Hi all!
I have sent a link to D's demo to everyone who requested it. (Clueless..your box was full - let me know when it clears and I will send you one)
If I missed anyone let me know!
Go to the artists page and listen to all 3 tracks.
Thanks for your support!</p>
<p>I PM'ed you, but wanted to post too. Thanks for the link to your daughter's demo. You must be so proud. She has a beautiful voice! I hope this all works out for her! I'll be rooting for her!</p>
<p>Thanks to all of you, who have listened to the demo and emailed me!</p>
<p>Now we have to design labels and jewel cases etc! Then the hard part..where to send it. One step at a time.</p>
<p>If any of you have ideas - do share!</p>
<p>Is there any open mics in your town at like coffee houses or mabye she could perform at your baseballs park to sing the national anthem and then you distribute cds from there.</p>
<p>I would like to thank everyone for their wonderful comments on D's demo! I am sorry if I was unable to respond to you all personally but it was overwhelming!
It is so interesting to hear the comments..a couple people said MY TWO SIDES was very broadway. Others said very pop sounding!
And so far BEWITCHED seems to be a favorite! Though the MP and hubby and others liked MY TWO SIDES best.
She has a cute pic of herself against a wall in a mini skirt and tall boots and that will probably be the cover of the CD.
Anyway..babysteps..will see what we have to do next.</p>
<p>Of course, you need to get expert advice and I'm not it, but unless you plan to market the cd as a retail product, you probably don't need labels and jewel cases. A demo is generally considered more "professional-looking" if simply done with a black and white label with information only. That's just the input we received, so I'll just share it as that. Now, if you're using it to get her performances or to enter a contest or something, something more attractive would be in order. And let me say publicly that she's very talented.</p>
<p>For the fun of it and to get feedback we put D's demo on an internet site. It was very interesting to read the comments. Many were very similar. For example the one song sounded much like a Disney tune was a review we read frequently (folks cannot read other reviews so when you read a pattern you get ideas).</p>
<p>Anyway this week her one song won reviewers picks awards for Best Female Vocals, Best Dance Track and Best Production..so that was pretty neat! Thousands of songs are reviewed on there each week so its quite a compliment.</p>
<p>As far as marketing..We are not going to sell the demo as we think it is nice but demo quality. So we are keeping it simple. </p>
<p>Right now we are gathering feedback and getting ideas of how she can market herself. We have not sent the demo out to managers etc. Taking time to look at where we need to improve etc.</p>
<p>Again I want to thank everyone here for the support and wonderful comments on her work!</p>
<p>How wonderful!!! Can't wait to hear what is in store for her next!</p>
<p>That is great news!! Congrats to her!!</p>