Getting permission to use music

[woobat]

I took a digital storytelling workshop a while back, and used a piece of copywritten music in it. I didn't really plan on publishing the piece, so it didn't seem like a bid deal. Now I'd like to web-publish it, and I have no idea how to go about getting permission to use the piece. It was recorded by a relatively local folk artist, so I hope

Comments

[squirrelhaven]

I would start by contacting the artist, if it's someone you know. From what I understand about rights and permissions as they relate to recordings (I've had to research various aspects of the music biz for my 2nd book), artists usually control the rights to their music, so you'd need the artist's permission to start with. If this artist is willing to let you use it, you'd next need to work with their label, and the artist can point you towards whoever you'll need to talk to. Be aware, though, that it may get complicated and/or expensive, depending on how much of the song you're using -- licensing fees, royalties, etc.

[magdalene1]

Yes, start with the artist!

[magdalene1]

Draw up a simple release form - X artist grants you performance rights and digital synchronization rights for x piece of music in perpetuity - you should be able to web search a simple sample.

[empress_pixel]

Hulk smart.

Hulk lawyer think have boilerplate release form. Hulk lawyer look for form if Hulk lawyer friend need.

Hulk lawyer think would be funny to have business cards that say "hulk lawyer."

[woobat]

Hulk lawyer totally need hulk lawyer business card.

Subtitle: "For all your smashing needs."

[ellinor]

You will need a synchronization license from both the sound recording owner (sometimes the artist, sometimes the record company, but it depends on the agreement between artist and label) and the music composition owner (usually the composer or the composer's publisher, again it depends on their deal). The sound recording synch license is sometimes called a "master use" license. Since this is a local artist on a smallish scale, these should be relatively straightforwardly gotten with a few kindly worded letters (starting with the artist is definitely a good idea) and simple release forms (looks like empress_pixel can handle that!), and maybe some money changing hands, depending on the situation. Synchronization licensing law (on a very different scale from this!) has eaten much of my life over the past few years, so if you want to talk more, feel free to e-mail me, firstname_lastname @ hotmail.com.