putting music on site - is it legal?

Hello,

Just a doubt. Of course using music files of other people is illegal.
But, if I play myself some known music and record it to put in my site, is it still illegal?

thanks

 

I Googled your question and found this page, I think it should help:

http://www.webbuilderexpress.com/should-you-put-music-on-your-web-site.html

 

Hello,

Generally, it would be illegal.

I think, though, if you record the music off the radio, it would be legal. Not certain, though.

~Adam

 

Thanks for your quick answers.

Well, in fact when I said "Play myself" and record it, is not to record from TV or radio, but performe the music myself and record it. For instance performe some well know music and record it and use the recorded sound on my site.

thanks

 

If you're performing, I don't see a problem at all. What kind of site are you planning to use this music on?

 

I am planning using it in a website I have to sell handicrafted products.
Of course if Iam the performer it should be no problem. But since I am not the composer of the music/song, will it be legal? Can I performe any song/music without permission? This is my doubt in fact...

 

Seconded.

You could just adapt the song though and it should be fine.

 

In regards to performing copywrited music: It is usually prohibited without a license to do so, except in certain non-commercial instances.

I had a non-profit band for awhile, and we could perform any song we wanted, because we were not paid to perform them, etc. The definitions of when it's OK to do that are pretty tight, and I don't remember where I found them. They are on some US govt copywriting site or music licensing site or something. Not sure if your usage would qualify or not.

Also, I don't remember if recordings were covered or not.

Hopefully that will give you some info to base your research on.

 

This is a pretty good overview from the BBB:

http://www.bbb.org/Alerts/article.asp?ID=451

 

You would most likely be required to pay royalties on the song your recorded. I was in a band once that had sold a song to Hardees, everytime it was payed for profit live, Hardees expected $35

Best bet is to make your own song for the site if needed. If you are planning on playing the music as the visitors arrive, I suggest against it. This was annoying in 1993 and still is.

 

Yes, you definitely have to get permission / pay royalties to play someone else's music. Just wanted to confirm that. I deal with musicians almost every day through my business, and it's just one of a number of copyright issues that keeps coming up. Play it safe and write your own or get something licensed.

Jenn