We, as an industry, agree with me or not, really need to stop putting copyrighted music in our films; short or feature. Even if it goes straight to Youtube.com. The point is that we want people to view our genre as an art; just the way we view music as an art genre. And it should be. So, please, let's stop using copyrighted music and thinking that just because it's not going to make money that it's okay. Yes, these artists may make a ton amount of money, but that doesn't give you the right to just rip their stuff off. I just finished my short film, NO OUTLET, and I used copyrighted music and I really wish I would not have. I hope to go back and get rid of the non-original music portions. It's not necessary and it discredits in our own ability to score and know all aspects of movie/film production.
If I could make a suggestion, get a local band to actually play in the background; and then use their song too. It'll promote everyone all at once. There are a lot of great indie bands doing their thing, just like us indie filmmakers are trying to do our thing. Cheers, good luck.
