Another MCPS query (sorry)

Subject: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: red max
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 05:45 AM

I've had a look through previous threads on this topic, but am still a little unclear on one or two things, and would appreciate some advice

I'm planning a CD to raise funds for a local charity, nothing too ambitious, but definitely a CD as opposed to a CDR project. The majority of the songs are traditional, but with a few contemporary pieces. With these I've written to each composer for their permission, which has been readily granted, no question of any royalties being claims. All very encouraging, but reading through the other threads I get the feeling things might not be as simple as I'd hoped

There are a few songs by reasonably well-known artists such as Magna Carta, Mr Fox and the Albion Band, and so I'd guess the material "belongs" to companies like Vertigo and Sanctuary. I'm recording fresh versions, and had assumed that the composers' blessing was all I needed, but am I wrong about that? Do I need to register my disc with the MCPS and make some sort of payment?

For what it's worth, I don't think Wildgoose CDs mention the MCPS anywhere, just a reference to Phonographic Performances Ltd

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 06:32 AM

As far as I'm aware from info on other threads, MCPS only need notification for a pressing of 1000 copies and above.

The actual songs do not belong to the record label, only those previously released versions. The songs are owned by the publisher and you need their blessing to release them again. Therefore if releasing a version of a Mr Fox song, the copyright will either be held (individually or jointly) by Logo Songs Ltd or the Pegg's.

MCPS will be able to confirm who owns (if registered with MCPS) and give you contact addresses.

By the way, this sounds like my sort of album...Hope you post here to let us know when it's out.

Cheers
LL

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: GUEST,Sooz (at work)
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 07:13 AM

MCPS are interested in any number of copies you plan to duplicate! Getting a composer's permission doesn't mean a lot, particularly if they are registered with MCPS.
However, MCPS are quite helpful (if a little slow) and do not charge a huge fee so get in touch with them to find out whats what.

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: rhyzla
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 07:36 AM

MCPS are 'employed' by the artist to collect a payment. So the artists could be asked to contact MCPS to ask them to not collect payment in the case of your CD. Otherwise it will, I believe, be done automatically.

Alternatively, pay the fee, and ask the artists for a financial contribution equivalent to the fee collected - a bit complicate, I know!

It would be a good idea to post back here, and let us know how you get on!!

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: red max
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 08:08 AM

Thanks for this, please keep it coming

It's tempting to let the whole thing fly under the radar. I don't need MCPS's services for my arrangements of trad stuff, the composers don't want paying, so morally I don't feel there's a strong obligation. I know the MCPS have a job to do and need to make a living, but in this case I can't imagine it'd be worth their while to bother

By the way, Lancs lad, it MIGHT be your sort of thing, but be warned- it's a collection of Yorkshire songs, heh heh!

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 09:02 AM

Thats OK
My brother now lives on the wrong side of the Pennines and I still speak to him!

Just curious to know who's involved and a track listing. No one attempting Mr fox's Mendle?

LL

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: red max
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 10:18 AM

Mendle? Impossible! Leaving the Dales is the one we're tackling, albeit in quite a revised form. Bob Pegg's really supportive, which makes me all the more frustrated that Mr Fox STILL don't get the recognition they deserve as one of folk rock's pinnacles. When I listen to the title track on the debut it still sends a shiver through me

I'll probably start a new dedicated thread about this at some point soon, as I need to get a few merry Catters aboard

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 11:42 AM

There is so much wrong information in this thread. If you are issuing a CD of Folk / traditional music, phone the MCPs - 020 8378 7531. This will take you direct to Gordon Potts and he will tell you all you need to know.

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: PennyBlack
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 09:58 PM

If Gordon's not in (which is not unusual!)

Check the site, which will tell you all you want to know

http://www.mcps-prs-alliance.co.uk/


It is really easy - get the form - fill it it and pay the small amount due... If the copyright owner isn't registered with MCPS or the song is your own or Traditional, there will be nothing to pay on them.

PB

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 10:38 PM

What makes you believe anyone (over three dozen) will buy your "CD?"

The material is better recorded by others.

Because your customers have purchased a product - their purchase price is not tax deductable - a contribution of 15 dollars directly to the charity will 1. give the charity 15 dollars. 2. give the doner a 15 dollar right-off. 3. save you the agony of giving 164 disks to another charity - ten years from now - when you discover what others already knew (it has been done before, better, cheaper (free))

Put a "kitty kan" (like a busker) before your charity performance...you and the charity will come out with a surplus. Follow your intended path and steal bread from the government supplimented mouths of tiny babes.

Sincerely,
Those that know me....know me well.
The rest of you...can follow Charlie into the bucket.

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 10:45 PM

I can think of no good reason to replace the original art...

RED Mac's

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: red max
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 04:17 AM

Eh?

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 04:37 AM

Am I the only one confused by Guests comments?

Covering the work of other writers, is integral to the folk music scene. Covers can frequently be better than the original and why the hell shouldnt someone release an album for charity. Giving your time and talent to make an album, or putting your hand in your pocket to buy it is a worthy thing, is it not?

LL

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: Mary Humphreys
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 04:58 AM

Let's be charitable to Guest - he is from the States ( he talks in dollars) so probably has no idea about the intricacies of the UK music scene and licensing matters.
Best to leave him be in his curmudgeonly corner....
Mary

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 05:00 AM

Our anonymous guest is a pillock (and you can't spell, thicko).
Ignore him Max, do it your way - and if you do as well as the Lincolnshire Gold Appeal 'Yellowbellies' CD you'll be a happy fella. Good luck and, most of all, have fun with your project.
S:0)

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: red max
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 05:27 AM

Thanks folks, you've cheered me up again

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: GUEST,Sooz (at work)
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 08:12 AM

I'll second Johnny's comments. If you are half as successful as the Yellowbellies project you will have a happy charity and lots of satisfaction along the way. (The MCPS forms and charge will be a minor blemish)
Let us know when the CD is ready!

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 19 Dec 05 - 07:47 AM

Hi all
Just checking over my old posts to the group and picked up this thread again. Did the charity album materialize?. Did you get your MCPS problem sorted out?

Cheers
LL

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: Rasener
Date: 19 Dec 05 - 09:04 AM

Max
I am trying to rack my brains on what I did as far as the MCPS is concerned in relation to the Yellowbellies CD.
From my memory we paid a lump sum token amount which meant we didn't have to give a list of songs used.
Ring that guy and get the facts right. Its not worth trying to avoid it.
150 yellowbelly CD's out there somewhere. We soon recovered all out costs.
Who's that pillock who said you can't sell more than 36. Talking a load of bollocks.
We could have sold a darn sight more than 150, but we decided to limit it.
Les

Subject: RE: Another MCPS query (sorry)
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 19 Dec 05 - 03:56 PM

Well Les....
If you ever do a re-press, give me a shout.
Glad it sold well

Cheers
LL