Louis,
Right, I understand, but in my case, as with many "cover" song artists on OurStage, I wouldn't be producing the song on a CD for sales, but only placing in the contest for free public performance (think radio) with no sales in mind.

The "crux" of the problem is that the music industry needs a new type of online (digital) performance license. This is very similar to a broadcast license in which the broadcasters pay blanket license fees (NOT mechanicals) to pay the royalties which will be collected by the PROs on behalf of the artists and publishers.

A mechanical license only covers a song which will be manufactured & sold on a record such vinyl, tape or CD, etc. and does not cover broadcasting, synch license, digital or other kinds of performance licenses.

For now I must say THANKS and close... but no cigar! wink

Anyway, I only have one CD out and it's all original songs and/or arrangements of tunes already in the public domain, so I don't need a mechanical license for marketing any of the songs on my CD.

I agree that there should be some kind of License that would be perfectly suited for online performance of cover (and original) songs, but evidently the industry hasn't agreed on the best format yet.

However, I think the closest (most natural) type of license would simply be a performance license such as all the PROs are already serving, but also include online digital streams broadcasting. I'm sure the cost would be very reasonable as even small and mid-size bars, restaurants and other public places can afford to pay the min. fees each year.

Let's see what others say.
Michael

There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself. -- Johann Sebastian Bach

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