2 years, 2 months ago
What are some good resources on information about music copyrights versus releasing it Creative Commons?
First, to some of your dismay, I'm not dead yet. :) These last few months, I've been hard at work composing my own music, when I'm not working in the TV studio. I'm fairly close to the point to where I'll be able to make it available to the public, but I need some information about copyright laws. I would like to generate a revenue stream from my music, which would in turn further my abilties to produce even higher quality music...but I need to find a good starting point for making the music available to the public, and if I decide to release something under CC, to make sure that I get composer credit.
Also, I need to put this out there: This project is being working on with my own, personally purchased equipment, so my employer isn't able to lay claim to any portion of this work.
Also, I need to put this out there: This project is being working on with my own, personally purchased equipment, so my employer isn't able to lay claim to any portion of this work.
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M$1 Answer
Personally, I would avoid releasing music under creative commons if your goal is to get paid. If you simply want it 'out there' then get a proper copyright and release it, or portions of, for free via whatever avenue makes most sense to hit your target audience. The problem with CC is... say you release a CC track with all permissions given under the intent that anyone who wishes to listen to it without restriction can do so freely... now suppose a company you're morally opposed to decides to use it in a national campaign...not only are you associated with something you wished you weren't, you're not getting paid for helping to promote them either. Even under the non-commercial release their are legal precedents in such cases were the offending party was held at fault but no monetary judgments were entered against them.
However, if you're ok with not making money and primarily looking to build an online awareness of your work, then it does have its merits... such as being free to issue.
Assuming your primary goal is to make money from the track itself and not the performance of your best bet is in non-exclusive use and master use.
Getting an account with ASCAP or BMI etc is defiantly a good first step. Register as a composer and publisher. Contact publishers, agents, community/college radio, regional tv studios that have a specialty in or need for your specific product...etc.
Not sure if that helps. Without knowing what kind of music you're doing its hard to give a specific response as regards marketing method, license release, finding an audience/purchaser, etc.
However, if you're ok with not making money and primarily looking to build an online awareness of your work, then it does have its merits... such as being free to issue.
Assuming your primary goal is to make money from the track itself and not the performance of your best bet is in non-exclusive use and master use.
Getting an account with ASCAP or BMI etc is defiantly a good first step. Register as a composer and publisher. Contact publishers, agents, community/college radio, regional tv studios that have a specialty in or need for your specific product...etc.
Not sure if that helps. Without knowing what kind of music you're doing its hard to give a specific response as regards marketing method, license release, finding an audience/purchaser, etc.
source(s):
Some basic definitions:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_licensing
Creative Commons:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_commons
US Copyright law:
http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html
Licensing tips:
http://www.themusicsnob.com/2009/04/27/tips-music-licensing-and-publishing/
Every legal bit of mumbo jumo you'd need to know:
http://www.kohnmusic.com/
Its a wee bit pricey, but worth it. You could probably find a used 3rd edition on ebay on the cheap.
Some basic definitions:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_licensing
Creative Commons:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_commons
US Copyright law:
http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html
Licensing tips:
http://www.themusicsnob.com/2009/04/27/tips-music-licensing-and-publishing/
Every legal bit of mumbo jumo you'd need to know:
http://www.kohnmusic.com/
Its a wee bit pricey, but worth it. You could probably find a used 3rd edition on ebay on the cheap.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
I'm working on mostly trance / techno / electronica. You've given me a great start.