Tech: PRS, own website, download

Subject: Tech: PRS, own website, download
From: GUEST,Jens
Date: 12 Apr 08 - 06:59 AM

Hi,

does somebody know if musicians affiliated with PRS have to pay licences to PRS when they offer their own music for free download on their own website? Or is just streaming free of licence?

Thank you very much in advance
Jens

Subject: RE: Tech: PRS, own website, download
From: treewind
Date: 12 Apr 08 - 11:13 AM

If you're thinking of doing that with your own web site and your own music, just do it. I'd like to see the PRS try to stop you!

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: PRS, own website, download
From: nutty
Date: 12 Apr 08 - 02:04 PM

I seem to remember reading something about PRS owning copyright on music registered with them but I may be wrong.

It's certainly worth going through the info on their website with a fine toothcomb.

Subject: RE: Tech: PRS, own website, download
From: nutty
Date: 12 Apr 08 - 02:15 PM

See PRS Rules and Regulations - Rule 9. It may or may not be relevant.

Subject: RE: Tech: PRS, own website, download
From: Simon G
Date: 13 Apr 08 - 04:08 AM

You get PRS royalties from your own concerts if you are contracted to PRS so you must have to take a licence out to distribute the music from a website.

Its a great scheme for taxing small composers and moving the money to the big boys, smile as you donate to whoever owns the Beatles songs now.

Subject: RE: Tech: PRS, own website, download
From: GUEST,don't know why I bother.
Date: 13 Apr 08 - 04:33 AM

Ah, more misinformation. No, PRS do not "own copyright" in anything". No, you are not contracted to them. No, you are not donating money to the owners of the Beatles publishing.

PRS deals with live concerts. Venues have to pay a PRS license fee (quite rightly), and the writers of the songs performed at that venue get paid. You can register setlists online now so there isn't really an excuse for grumbling that your money just goes into the pockets of the "big guys". If you fill in the form, you get paid... easy.

For website streaming it is MCPS, not PRS, you need to talk to. If you are streaming your own songs, and you own them (i.e. haven't signed a publishing deal or assigned the rights to anyone else) then you don't need a license. You would only need one if you were offering other peoples songs.

Subject: RE: Tech: PRS, own website, download
From: GUEST,Guest, Jens
Date: 13 Apr 08 - 08:54 AM

yesyes, streaming is allowed but download either???