Recording and Selling Covers: Legal Steps for High-School Bands
Recording and selling covers of well-known songs can be a fun and educational endeavor for high school bands. However, it's crucial to understand the legal requirements to ensure that your efforts comply with copyright laws and can be commercially viable. This guide will help you navigate the process and provide steps to legally sell copies of your recordings.
Understanding Public Domain and Public Property
One key to legally selling your band's covers is to choose songs that fall under the public domain or are public property. These are songs whose copyright has expired, or were never protected by copyright. Popular options in the public domain include songwriters who voluntarily submit their work to the public domain, older songs, and songs from certain earlier musical styles.
Signing agreements with composers or publishers to distribute and monetize these songs can be an alternative. This involves a process called licensing. Once you secure the necessary rights, you can release your cover versions without fear of infringement.
Legal Requirements for Recording and Selling Covers
To legally sell copies of your album, you need to adhere to several legal requirements and steps, which we will outline below. These steps are necessary to avoid any legal issues and ensure that you can proceed commercially.
Step 1: Identify Public Domain or Licensed Songs
The first step is to identify songs that are either in the public domain or for which you have obtained the necessary licenses. Research the copyright status of the songs you wish to cover to ensure you can use them without copyright infringement. There are several online resources available, such as the Project Gutenberg or US Copyright Office, to help with this task.
Step 2: Obtain Necessary Licenses
If the song is not in the public domain, you will need to obtain a performance license and a synchronization license. These licenses grant you the right to perform and record the song, respectively. Performances of sound recordings are subject to the Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) such as BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC, which collect and distribute royalties to songwriters and publishers for public performances of their works.
Synchronization licenses are required for any use of music in synchronization with visual images, which includes home videos, TV shows, and films. These licenses are typically managed by music publishers or by the PROs. The process can often be complex and varies by jurisdiction and the specific song and publication, so consulting professionals or experienced music industry advisors is highly recommended.
Step 3: Create and Distribute Your Album
Once you have obtained the necessary licenses, you can record and distribute your album. Consider creating your album in a digital format and publishing it through platforms such as Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and Apple Music. These platforms offer both free and paid options for distribution. Alternatively, you can explore traditional publishing deals with independent or major record labels.
Step 4: Manage Royalties and Financials
To manage royalties and financials effectively, consider setting up systems to track performance and synchronization royalties. Musician-focused accounting software can help you handle these tasks more efficiently. Additionally, it's important to explore often overlooked revenue sources, such as licensing your music for film and television, advertisements, or even video game placements. These opportunities can significantly enhance your earnings and visibility.
Step 5: Marketing and Promotion
Marketing and promotion are essential components of any successful music project. Leverage social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to build your fan base. Consider collaborating with other artists, participating in local music events, and reaching out to radio stations for airplay. Engaging with your audience on social media can also lead to fan support and promotion through sharing and word-of-mouth.
Conclusion
Recording and selling covers of well-known songs can be an exciting project for high-school bands. By carefully following the legal steps and obtaining the necessary permissions, you can ensure that your album is in line with copyright laws and can be legally sold. Remember to choose public domain or licensed songs, secure the relevant licenses, create and distribute your album, manage your royalties and financials, and promote your music effectively. With the right approach, your band can make a name for itself and enjoy the fruits of your musical endeavours.
Keywords: music covers, licensing, copyright, public domain, songs