Music Licenses?

[rainyoregonchristmas]

I've been reading forums for weeks and weeks, trying to search through and find the answers to many questions. One of which is that not all music used in displays is public domain. So what do we have to do to cover ourselves when we use a song in a display? Is just owning a copy ok, or because it is a public performance is something more needed like a license?

[bisquit476]

This subject comes up way too many times during the year, the short answer is, if you are doing a display for your personal enjoyment, not charging to see the show, not putting video's on vimeo, youtube, etc., or not putting them on your own website, then most likely you won't need a license to use the music. Technically, you do, but realisticly you most likely won't be bothered. Low key is the best key, if you get my meaning. Do anything that would be considered commercial though, and the music police may visit.

[SWood]

rainyoregonchristmas wrote:

I've been reading forums for weeks and weeks, trying to search through and find the answers to many questions. One of which is that not all music used in displays is public domain. So what do we have to do to cover ourselves when we use a song in a display? Is just owning a copy ok, or because it is a public performance is something more needed like a license?

http://forums.lightorama.com/view_topic.php?id=26709&forum_id=74&highlight=BMI

Look at Post #18

[TitusCarnathan]

As for the display you do not need one period from what different users found out





now for the videos I got permission from the singer of house on Christmas street

I did submit a sync licence request for another song about 2 months ago and I never got a reply so its on a song to song basis for videos online but your display it self does not need one because its private property and does not earn money



declaimer: I am not a lawyer I am not giving legal advice you accept all legal responsibility if you read this post

[David Rise]

I'm not a lawyer either. But I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.

[WiggyHD]

I understand about the broadcast of music in display, but, the videos of my display can't be on MY website (not that I have one yet)? I'm still not charging anybody. I have a lawyer friend at church. I'll see what he comes up with.

I would like family and friends who aren't local to be able to see the show. That's the only reason I am trying to make good videos of the show... The law is the law though, and I have to go by it. Has anyone ever tried to contact specific groups like TSO directly?

THANKS!
Mark

[TitusCarnathan]

WiggyHD wrote:

I understand about the broadcast of music in display, but, the videos of my display can't be on MY website (not that I have one yet)? I'm still not charging anybody. I have a lawyer friend at church. I'll see what he comes up with.

I would like family and friends who aren't local to be able to see the show. That's the only reason I am trying to make good videos of the show... The law is the law though, and I have to go by it. Has anyone ever tried to contact specific groups like TSO directly?

THANKS!
Mark

what you are missings is that we already came to the conclusion that you are allowed to have it displayed on your private property where anybody can see it its just the web sites that is the touchey area

as long as you are not charging people to see your display you do not need a licence


I would like to hear what your friend at church comes up with the video online thing



but for the display it self we already asked about that and you do not need a licence
once again I am not a lawyer take my advice on your own account and responsibility

[TitusCarnathan]

ok sorry I over read what you wrote I see you are talking about the video but this can be kept here for reference

[alank58]

Has anyone ever got a music license? How do you go about it. Would it be state or federal? Would getting permission from the song writer be good enough and would a e-mail from them be legal?

Just wondering,

Alan

[bobschm]

Permission can only be granted by the music owner, who may or may not be the songwriter. ASCAP and BMI are your first source to find out who holds the rights to the music/performance. Keep in mind that just because, for example, Beethoven's music may be public domain, the London Symphony performance of it is NOT.

Permission can take years and cost ridiculous money in some cases. The risk is very low that they will spend the time to attack your Christmas display. Most people WANT you to play their music. They just don't want you making all the coin.

Disclaimer: I too am not a lawyer, but I can obfuscate like one.:cool:

[David Rise]

alank58 wrote:

Has anyone ever got a music license? How do you go about it. Would it be state or federal? Would getting permission from the song writer be good enough and would a e-mail from them be legal?

Just wondering,

Alan

Someone on here went out and got a license to play the music. They ran into some sort of legel issues. I don't remember their name. Maybe he'll read this thread and chime in.

I do remember that it was a ridiculus amount of money.



If you search through the old threads, you're sure to find it. Bottom line though. We do not need to purchase a license to use in our displays.

[Tracy West]

If you have a video of your light show on YouTube and have used copywrited material you can have your video blocked. But.... you can dispute it and get to keep the video up.

My Crazy Train sequence video has been on and off the rails two times (on and off YouTube) before them allowing it to stay on after I disputed it.

It just depends on the artist or the owner of the music whether it stays or goes.

[lightzilla]

bobschm wrote:

Permission can take years and cost ridiculous money in some cases.

I must be on a different parallel earth than the one you are one. It has not even taken 1 day to get permission on a number of occasions.

"Where's The Line To See Jesus" only took 1 day for Becky Kelley to get back to me with full permission.

"Christmas This Year" by TobyMac ...... took 11 days to get full permission from EMI CMG Publishing

Mannheim Steamroller asked a few questions but again they granted permission too. That took about 2 weeks total

So on & so on.......no charge or anything.

Others who are famous in the USA only, or Europe only, or Canada only..... some times give the mp3 to you when you ask permission.

We give TSO's record company the $$$ but folks have tried to get permission & they get no response......I never tried but the odds are against me (so it would seem) with them.

However whether in the USA or Canada playing music in the display is not breaking the law.....I found that out for Canadian's & the D-elf found that out for you folks in the USA.

It is the making of a video of your display with a copyrighted song in it & posting it on one of the uploading places like YouTube that can be an issue.

YouTube is a strange place, they allow one display up with a song for example by Bruno Marrs & then reject someone else.....strange.

[TitusCarnathan]

I got permission for house on christmas street but still working on others