RefRAin

I reckon it won't end until someone DOES sit down and map it all out in a "real world" scenario. Until then, we go about it as usual and let the loopholes figure themselves out. Just got an email from Flamingo Records, Netherlands (who manage Fedde Le Grand). They wish me well and say no problem, but Ministry of Sound hold the rights for Fedde's work in Australia. I ask MoS and what do they say?? "We have considered your request below but we cannot approve this. Please do not use any MoS recordings in your DJ demo. Also be advised that if you wish to include any recordings in a DJ demo, you are required to obtain licences for both the recording and the publishing rights." So MoS say "do not use ANY...." then say "if you wish to include.." huh?!? Then as per my previous post, ARIA say they cannot license Promo Mix-CD's. It's full of holes. I'd say as long as you're seen to do the right thing (not using illegally downloaded / ripped tracks) and not on-selling for profit (like Pee Wee Ferris etc.) then you're pretty much covered. In te case of MoS saying not to use ANY of their recordings - what are THEIR recordings? this was purchased with Flamingo Records as the owner... Anyway, onwards & upwards!!!!! Have a great wkend all!!

Hey all, Just got a response from Aria. You won't like what they say, but it is what it is... " · By way of background, ARIA has been granted non-exclusive rights by specific record companies to grant such this licence. You should note that this licence would only cover sound recordings controlled by those specific record companies. A list of the record companies and labels covered by the ARIA licence can also be found at: http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/ ... l_list.pdf " So International labels not represented by ARIA are not covered.. " · Also, as ARIA’s rights are non-exclusive, you also have the option of obtaining a licence to format shift sound recordings from each of the copyright owners directly rather than obtaining a licence from ARIA. " · The ARIA licence does not provide you with the right to make promotional CDs or to make remixes. Permission to do so should be obtained from the copyright owners directly. The above one is the scary one but straight from the horses' mouth. As said before, no-one's ever been publically "nicked" by handing out promo-only CD's. the Pee Wee Ferris issue was because he was SELLING the cd's so maybe we can take some comfort in that... Hope you all have a good weekend!! I'll be working on my mix!! RefRAin.

Thanks Caleupe - this format shifting license explains itself (backup only license) but is still a ridiculous concept. It doesn't cover off making a "promo mix cd" for distribution (not for sale). A quote I received yesterday from APRA states: "...whether you are using the song as a demo or making it available to buy, does not change the need to get "approval" to use aspects of song, in any circumstance...." so the word "PROMO ONLY" doesn't get you out of trouble. They go on to say "You are required to obtain permission from the original record labels to use their "sound recording" in your mix CD. You will also need to pay a "mechanical royalty" to the original composers. For works we represent you can take out a licence called an Audio Manufacture Licence to facilitate the royalty process. The application is downloadable from our website -> http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/musicconsu ... lsale.aspx " It's calculated as 6% of the retail sale price.. but for a promotional cd there is NO retail sale price.. hence my confusion. The other thing is they only represent a handful of composers - any international bodies (Axwell, Sebastien Leger, Prydz etc. aren't on their list). They also acknowledge the difficult situation us DJ's are in: "I can't comment about the practices of all DJ's but I do know for a fact that there are numerous cases where DJ's have been investigated & held accountable for illegally made remixes & mix tapes. I do realise the culture of dance music works very differently, but legally you are obligated to obtain the appropriate licenses & clearances for any use of music, whether promotional, demo or for sale. " As far as I'm concerned, I have gone down the path of obtaining the individual Record Companies' permission and so far, out of 20 tracks, I have 2 x approval to put on my promo CD and zero rejections (fingers crossed!). Thanks for the discussion and I know it's a touchy topic, and if I get any other updates (STILL WAITING ON ARIA!!) will let you know. RefRAIn.

Lots of clicks, no responses - it's clearly a tricky subject. Or something no-one wants to put their name against?! Never mind, I've received conflicting responses from the authorities (APRA/AMCOS/PPCA/MIPI but still waiting on ARIA?!) so will just do my best to abide by these "confusing laws" we have here in AU. Thanks anyway, R.

Hey ADJF crew, great site & forums! I've read through "DJ RhemyD's guide to Going Legit" (sticky under beginners!) and have a couple of questions you might be able to help me out with. In compiling a "Promo Mixtape/CD" to get my name out there in the clubs, what licenses / authorisations do i require? Some of my songs (purchased through beatport.com legally) are from Axtone Records, or Big Fish Recordings - who are not listed on the ARIA Members List so I'm not sure how to get their approval? or is it covered under an ARIA blanket license? The likes of Vicious etc. are ARIA members so shouldn't be any probs there. Secondly, as a Laptop DJ (with some 12" vinyl also) how does this whole "format shifting" come into play? By playing music, i'm covered by the PPCA license Tarrif "F" no problem. But what if I record my 12" tracks onto the laptop and then play that in public. Do I need this $800 p.a. Format Shift license also, or does that come under the ARIA blanket license anyway? Thanks, I'm very confused and want to do the right thing - $60k fine per track and 5 years imprisonment doesn't sound appealing... RefRAin. Melbourne AU

After reading the post "DJ RhemyD's guide to Going Legit", how is this even legal? They mention to record a 30min mix and upload as MP3. don't get me wrong, i'd love to win this comp - the Future Music events are the best!! Technically/legally, shouldn't you obtain permission from all of the Track's Record Companies and own a "format shifting " license to move it from audio (CD / Vinyl / MP3) to a mixed mp3?? I'm bloody confused with all this and just want to get my demo CD out there... help!!