Origins: Public Domain help??

Subject: Origins: Public Domain help??
From: GUEST,stumd3
Date: 03 Feb 04 - 01:38 PM

Just wondering if someone could clarify something for me:

My band has been playing in public for about a year, and I've been performing solo for about 5 before that. We do traditional folk, blues and early country music songs. Recently we got a gig at a place who made us sign some papers and give them a list of songs that we were going to do. They were all traditional and he said that we'd "be fine." He said the paperwork, etc. was just a precaution and that we could even get away with doing some covers as long as they were "old and obscure."

What do you think?

Subject: RE: Origins: Public Domain help??
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 03 Feb 04 - 02:07 PM

I think someplace doesn't pay their licensing fees - and is having you sign the papers to put the onus on you as the performer rather then on them as the venue.

Subject: RE: Origins: Public Domain help??
From: pavane
Date: 03 Feb 04 - 02:44 PM

Which country are you in? Rules vary

Subject: RE: Origins: Public Domain help??
From: GUEST,stumd3
Date: 04 Feb 04 - 08:34 AM

I am America. Maine more specifically . . .

Subject: RE: Origins: Public Domain help??
From: Leadfingers
Date: 04 Feb 04 - 08:44 AM

In UK every now and then the PRS sharks descend on the Folk Scene. It always amuses me how many songs are registered as 'Traditional - arranged by' on these occasions.

Subject: RE: Origins: Public Domain help??
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 04 Feb 04 - 09:12 AM

in the US - ASCAP and BMI 'performance fees' are due for any registered songs - it's a complicated fee structure based on audience size, number of speakers (if being played over audio systems) distance between speakers, etc, etc. The VENUE is normally responsible.

Subject: RE: Origins: Public Domain help??
From: GUEST,stumd3
Date: 04 Feb 04 - 09:34 AM

Thanks folks - very helpful!