Before I get roasted, I have searched the forum and know there are hundreds of threads dealing with copyright, but I cannot find one that answers precisely my predicament which is as follows.

I have thousands of various tracks (private and commercial) from pre 1940s to the current decade and have decided that I want to create compilations under various headings, mainly under my current secondary banner "Preserving Precious Memories" and transfer them to CD/MP3 for sale.

Now during my research I have found that I will possibly need an AP2 licence from MCPS, but they state

"The AP Licences cover the payment of Mechanical Royalties only, which are paid to Music Publishers for the use of Musical Works. Sound Recording rights must be licensed directly from record companies (where applicable)."

I am trying to find the other organisation that I am sure exists to cover the sound recording side.

My decaying memory needs jogging as I am sure I used to know this organisation but I just can't seem to find it.

Also I will be releasing tracks by various artistes in a variety of genres (including folk), mostly written and performed by friends and acquaintances, but obviously I will get their permission first.

I am very excited and can't wait to get started, this has been an ambition of mine for years, now finally I have the time, expertise, and inclination to start.

Any advice/help will be very welcome, and many thanks in advance.