Limits on reproducing copywritten material

[Laticha4]

What is the name of your state? Illinois

My husband is a musician/producer who gets constant requests from singers/vocalists for customized instrumental versions of pre-recorded music for live performances (i.e. talents shows, weddings, plays). For example, a local soloist wants to audition for a job and needs the music for one of Mariah Carey's songs but in a lower key. This can stand to be a lucrative line of work for him if marketed in the right way. Is it legal for him to make these tracks for people for a fee? If not, who can he obtain the rights from?

 

[divgradcurl]

What is the name of your state? Illinois

My husband is a musician/producer who gets constant requests from singers/vocalists for customized instrumental versions of pre-recorded music for live performances (i.e. talents shows, weddings, plays). For example, a local soloist wants to audition for a job and needs the music for one of Mariah Carey's songs but in a lower key. This can stand to be a lucrative line of work for him if marketed in the right way. Is it legal for him to make these tracks for people for a fee? If not, who can he obtain the rights from?

He should contact the Harry Fox Agency to license the musical works. The licenses are compulsory, which means they are his for the asking, but the do cost money, although the costs are usually not that high and can be passed on to the client. He is essentially performing "covers" of songs, even if they are in a different key.

If he is really chopping the works up and creating new works based on the old, he made need different licenses. But for what you've written, the simple licenses from Harry Fox should suffice.