Permission to record? (UK)

Subject: Permission to record?
From: GUEST,Fyldeplayer
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 01:52 AM

I have several covers ( contemporary ) that I play live in folk clubs that I would like to record to CD for sale. Is it polite/nesscary to contact the performers in question or what licence ( links please ) will allow this process? I have looked at Limited Manufacture Licence for example.

Thanks in advance

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 03:36 AM

I added (UK) to the thread title for clarification. I know how to license songs for recording in the U.S. but it will be interesting to see how it's done in the UK.
Best of luck with your recording.

-Joe Offer, Mudcat Music Editor-

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: GUEST,Seaham cemetry
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 04:08 AM

My Dad had dealings with The Performing Right Society, who handle copyright etc.

That was a good few years ago though.

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 04:17 AM

The BBC website has this information

This link may be of interest as it is an account by a musician of the process but seems to involve an English performer and US material.

Google will find you a lot more, search on
"recording cover songs copyright uk"

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: Musket
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 04:39 AM

We found there was a bit of a difference between song writers who were part of PRS and those who didn't qualify for membership. The latter included finding them (pre internet) and asking, (usually flattered for the acknowledgment) whilst the former was a much more straight forward royalty based on agreement of one off or per sale. Once we had a recording contract with a fair sized label, this was done by their people.

I'm rather out of date I'm afraid.

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 04:41 AM

mcps

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 05:30 AM

mcps ?

What does that stand for, please?

DC

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: doc.tom
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 05:54 AM

Mechanical Copyright Protection Society

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 08:16 AM

Thanks

DC

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 09:30 AM

One thing I'd be vaguely interested in knowing, which I don't think any of those links cover, is what you have to do if you're not planning on charging anything. If you're releasing something for free.

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: GUEST,#
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 09:36 AM

Get permission from the copyright holder would be my suggestion.

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: GUEST,Chubby Knockers
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 09:56 AM

Similar question - What is required procedure if UK based home studio recording hobbyists
just want to record covers and post them to Youtube and misc online musician's sites ?

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: Anne Lister
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 05:08 PM

It's courteous to ask the copyright holder for both of the above questions but it doesn't always happen. It's also courteous to let them have a copy of or a link to the relevant output. There may be legal stuff in there as well, but I'm a great believer in being polite and letting the creator of the material know that their song or tune is being covered.
If you're selling copies of the recording then yes, there is a royalty issue for sure. For all legal stuff, contact MCPS and simply ask.

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 05:47 PM

As Anne Lister says - MCPS.

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 07:14 PM

I guess MCPS is an acronym that no longer has a name, or at least its name isn't listed on the home page of its Website, http://www.prsformusic.com/. Here's what the Website says:

PRS for Music is the home of PRS and MCPS, representing the rights of over 100,000 members in the UK. We license organisations to play, perform or make available copyright music on behalf of our members and those of overseas societies, distributing the royalties to them fairly and efficiently. We promote and protect the value of copyright.

It doesn't say what PRS is, either.

I hate acronyms.

But the Website does appear to offer the help you need in getting permissions, once you get past the acronymns....IMHO.

-Joe-

---

Yes, I know:

PRS=Performing Right Society
MCPS=Mechanical Copyright Protection Society

Subject: RE: Permission to record? (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Apr 14 - 09:23 PM

MECHANICAL-COPYRIGHT PROTECTION SOCIETY LIMITED
6TH FLOOR BRITISH MUSIC HOUSE
26 BERNERS STREET
LONDON
W1T 3LR
Company No. 00199120