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If you want to record a song that's already been released (ie: a famous song by a famous artist) you need to get a mechanical license for clearance of the copyright. These are available through the publisher that currently holds the song. You can search for current publishers through ASCAP or BMI. Publishers trade songs all the time, so make sure you get current information.

Royalties vary but are generally around 10 cents per copy for most songs. These might be paid quarterly on sales, or in advance based on your production run. If you have a 10 song album with songs by famous artists, at 10 cents per copy you would pay one dollar in royalties per unit sold. If you had a run of 1,000 copies, plan on $1,000 paid in royalty fees.

This is only for use of the song, not the original soundtrack. You still have to do your own original recording.

To use a sample from a song can be very expensive. If you are planning on sampling, we strongly suggest you check out how much the owner wants for use of it before inserting it into your production.

Q. I want to record an album using Karaoke tapes, is that legal?
A. Sure it is, you just can't sell legally any copies of that album without getting permission from the source that owns the recorded tracks. Most companies will charge a minimum of $300 per song just to use the trax on your album. The thing is that won't get you anywhere because it's not YOUR sound! Do people use Karaoke tapes on albums and sell them? Sure they do! It's illegal. DON'T DO IT!

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