The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #82187   Message #1532827
Posted By: Peace
01-Aug-05 - 03:48 PM
Thread Name: Re Promised CDs from brucie
Subject: RE: BS: Re Promised CDs from brucie
Donuel,

There are no copyright issues, etc. As long as they indicate that the CD is the record RCI 510 from Radio Canada International (a CBC subidiary), there is no problem. I don't think SOCAN monitors in the US. But if they do, it's usually about $1.25 per song per play. I really am just guessing at that figure. My royalties from that record have never been much. Maybe $50 a year or so. If the station would need a letter signed by me to cover them in the event, etc., let me know. Mike Regenstreif plays some cuts now an then on his folk show in Montreal. Frankly, when records get to be that old, no one really cares anymore. I am still the writer of the songs, and I would think in the grand scheme of things that that gives me a few things to say about it all. So, in short, if no one's making big bucks from it, I don't see who'd complain. I know I wouldn't.

I once had a gal in the US who ask if she could record one of the songs. I said yes. She was not rich and was doing the CD on a verrrrry low budget. I appreciated her manners in asking--she'd spent weeks tracking me down. My words back to her: be my guest. She wanted to know about money and how'd she'd ever pay me, etc. I replied, "If you make lotsa cash, send me some." Additionally, as with most writers I know, money's good, but what is even more important is that our names stay with our creations. (In the case of a few songs I've composed that isn't quite true--but, life ain't perfect.)

So, in short, be my guest. And thank you for that vote of confidence, Don. It is very humbling to me having an artist of your ability ('genius' is the word I should use, but I don't want to embarrass you) say something like that. Very humbling. I have been a fan of your work since I first encountered it. I really hope to meet you someday down the road.

BM