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Hello everyone,

Myself and a fellow guitarist Mark Nemeth are planning on making a duet album this summer as a summer project.

I have never made a professional cd before. I am aware of copyright issues with playing covers, but have never had to actually go through it.

I was wondering if anyone would help me with all the steps I need to take.

The album will have a lot of original music however we will be doing some other stuff like Ney Rosauro's Tocatta and Divertemento, Libertango, Ecstacy of Gold. I will also be doing a few hand drum solos oby N.Scott Robinson.

How does one go about getting the rights for this. I understand there is a difference between electronic and hard copy cd's. What is needed to do potentially both? Or is it worth it?

Also, I'm curious on all not only the steps but also recording.

Thanks so much,

Joe

Comments

tonymiceli Mon, 01/03/2011 - 09:59

gotta run. but google HARRY FOX. everything is there! yes it's cheaper to license digital.

the biggest problem is: if you play Misty, the longer your solos the more you have to pay. this is why it's better to do originals or rewrite the heads of standards.

you should really consider that, then for your first cd you have NO worries. but if you're doing tunes and melodies by composers you do all the licensing at harry fox.

remember you can copyright melodies not chord changes.

drslg Mon, 01/03/2011 - 19:36

In reply to by tonymiceli

My schools jazz band will be playing misty at the next concert. Yor right, there is long solos, and a killer vibe part.

tedwolff Mon, 01/03/2011 - 12:00

Tony has pointed you in the right direction, but unfortunately, not every piece of music is listed with Harry Fox. If you don't find it there go to BMI. Some artists list their music there (Pat Metheny for example). You'll need to purchase a mechanical license for each piece that you didn't write. The cost varied depending on how many CD units you plan to try to sell, and whether or not you also want to sell mp3 downloads of some or all of the cuts.
Ted.