Internet Music Site

[msmedic]

What is the name of your state? Mississippi

For some time now, I have been wanting to start an online music site. With that said, I want to make a few points clear from the beginning:

1. I DO NOT intend on selling music from this site.
2. I DO NOT intend on enabling downloads from this site.

I currently OWN over 8,000 MP3 files of various artists.

I simply want to store all of these music files on my web server and integrate it into my website where an end user can listen to streaming audio (kind of like online radio).

They will not be able to download the files, nor will they be able to purchase them. It is only intended to listen to when your at work, at home, bored in a hotel, etc...

My question is: Would I be violating any laws by allowing users to "listen" to my music online.

And correct me if I am wrong, but I think it is perfectly legal to make "backup" copies of music that you own, as long as you don't distribute those copies to other parties.

Any suggestions?

 

[moburkes]

You would be violating many laws.

 

[FlyingRon]

I simply want to store all of these music files on my web server and integrate it into my website where an end user can listen to streaming audio (kind of like online radio).

There are statutory royalties that you must pay to do this. http://www.soundexchange.com/ is the clearinghouse for the permission to use the recording and the PROS (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) to perform the composition.

And correct me if I am wrong, but I think it is perfectly legal to make "backup" copies of music that you own, as long as you don't distribute those copies to other parties.

Correct, but that doesn't cover the playing for the public (either a live group, on the web, or in various forms of radio).

 

[msmedic]

I looked up the soundexchange website and read a bit about it. Would this be correct?

My website would be "interactive," meaning that the end user could select what songs they wanted to play and what order.

Here is a clip from the soundexchange website:

"What royalties does SoundExchange NOT administer?
SoundExchange does NOT administer royalties for:

Interactive performances of sound recordings (e.g. "on-demand" services that allow the listener to select the tracks they wish to listen to and/or the order in which they wish to hear them)

The reproduction right for sound recordings, e.g. digital downloads. Licenses for interactive performances or reproduction of sound recordings must be obtained directly from the SRCO.

Analog public performances (traditional radio and television)

==========================================

Does this mean I can still do it? or NO?

 

[moburkes]

I looked up the soundexchange website and read a bit about it. Would this be correct?

My website would be "interactive," meaning that the end user could select what songs they wanted to play and what order.

Here is a clip from the soundexchange website:

"What royalties does SoundExchange NOT administer?
SoundExchange does NOT administer royalties for:

Interactive performances of sound recordings (e.g. "on-demand" services that allow the listener to select the tracks they wish to listen to and/or the order in which they wish to hear them)

The reproduction right for sound recordings, e.g. digital downloads. Licenses for interactive performances or reproduction of sound recordings must be obtained directly from the SRCO.
Analog public performances (traditional radio and television)

==========================================

Does this mean I can still do it? or NO?

The answer is still no, unless you pay the royalties.

 

[FlyingRon]

Soundexchange covers what you want to do. If you sign up with them you can create effectively an internet radio station or otherwise play the licensed music on your website. What they are telling you they won't let you do is set up a site that works like a jukebox where people can pick what they want to hear.

Again you must deal with both Soundexchange and the PRO's.