music rights

[HerzogisGod]

im trying to secure the rights for two songs from a popular band....how do i do this? who do i contact? should i ask for festival rights first? whats the cost of something like this?

this isnt a mega hit band...but a well known punk band from the 70's-80's

 

[David W. Richardson]

You need to find out who actually OWNS the recordings you're wanting to use. Chances are it's a record label. Contact them.

 

[MichaelP]

You can start with one of the many agencies that offer this service. For example:

http://www.bzrights.com/

Michael

 

[Steve House]

Search the databases on the ASCAP, BMI, and Harry Fox websites. Note that the band itself might not even be in the loop or have any say in terms of securing permission to use music they recorded - unless they actually wrote the music they probably don't own the copyright on it. For previously recorded songs there are two separate copyrights to consider: the copyright on the music, the words and musical notes, which is owned by the composer and publisher; and the copyright on the recording itself, usually owned by the record label that released it. You get the sync rights to use the music from the former and the master use rights to the recording from the latter. The afrorementioned databases can help you track the copyright on the music while you'll probably find the info on the recording copyright on the CD itself.

A google of "music rights clearance" will turn up a number of firms who will clear it for you, for a fee of course.