Re: Composers should also get paid

[Bill Fox <billyfox@soundscapes.us>]

Travis Hartnett wrote:
> Venues which feature live music are required to have BMI and ASCAP
> licenses unless 100% of the music performed there is original music
> not covered by either of those organizations.  It is the
> responsibility of the venue organizer (owner in this case) not the
> performer to secure such a license. 
Even original music is covered by BMI or ASCAP, if the artist is a 
member of a PRO.  Theoretically, you get back your fee since the music 
is your own, if statistical sampling makes you a blip on the PRO's 
radar.  The venue gets out of paying only if 100% of the music is in the 
Public Domain or is by an artist who isn't a member of a PRO.

Cheers,

Bill