Legality re: cover songs and recordings...

I’ve been working with a few bands over the past few years - mostly cover bands - and lately I’ve been recording them for fun and, well, posterity, I guess.

I’m not interested in selling the things, but I am interested in posting them online, perhaps in a sort of portfolio, or at the clubs as a promo. Basically a “we sound good!” thing for the bands or a “I’m a good recording engineer!” thing for myself.

Does this cross the line, or is it legal? I’m aching to post a few here for a critique!

The Master Speaks

The column is from 1978, though, so you might want to consult a lawyer with expertise in copyright law.

Robin

From ASCAP:

“Effective as of January 1, 2004, the compulsory mechanical royalty rate has been increased to 8.5¢ per composition and 1.65¢ per minute (the latter timing royalty being sometimes referred to as the “long song” rate).”

That’s what you pay per disc per recording. All the info is here:

http://www.ascap.com/musicbiz/ascapcorner/corner15.html