Music Rights: How to contact an artist?

[rogerg]

Hi all,

This is regarding the use of music in video clips to be shared on the internet.

I have two tracks I would like to use from music purchased on iTunes. Ordinarily I would find royalty free music on other sites on the web, but I happen to have these pieces which suit, so thought I'd explore being able to use them before spending the time to find alternative music and implement the alternatives.

In this case I haven't even been able to find the artist. I have found an artist of near identical name in the same genre. 90% chance they are the one and same person. A contact request sent to that artist has not been responded to after a week. Who knows, they mightn't have read it, they mightn't be the artist in question and so not care to respond.

Any tips on where to go from here?

I wondered if ARIA might have anything of help but their licensing doesn't cover internet use.

I don't expect the argument "well I couldn't contact you! so I used it anyway" would go down well with lawyers but who knows :shrug:

Thanks,
Roger.

[Omaroo]

Have you tried the artist or their record label Roger?

[rmuhlack]

you could try APRA. I used them last year to arrange a performance license for live performance of 6 songs at a free community event at our local theatre. They might be able to help you out.

http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/

[rogerg]

I have tried the artist (the artist I believe it is), no response.

I haven't tried the record label - I did try to find that but failed. I see it now in iTunes so will give that a try, thanks. Micro text below the album artwork, how could I miss it :)

[rogerg]

Interesting.

A subsequent different attempt at contacting the artist has resulted in a very prompt reply, and an interesting reply. Seems the track I'm wanting to use is purported to be by him but is not. He's friendly and offered use of any of his tracks. I might see if I can still track down the record company associated with the album it's on, but there seems to be several record companies of the same name which makes that harder :rolleyes:

[MLyons]

Just use the tracks and they'll contact you.........:D

[blink138]

roger have you thought about downloading a music recognition app on your phone? we have not caught it out yet with some of the most obscure bands or music!
just put it up to the speaker and voila!
pat

[rogerg]

Neat :) I didn't realise such accurate methods of doing that existed now :)

[rogerg]

Will check it out some more but I think it doesn't cover the kind of use I'm after, and that I'd still need actual agreement from the artist..

[blink138]

roger its not just accurate.... its downright spooky!
pat

[PCH]

Pat,

that does sound spooky indeed - what's the app called?

Cheers,

[xstream]

Shazam (http://www.shazam.com/) is a good one to start with.

[Omaroo]

Shazam is cool but SoundHound is, I think, even better. Lots more info too - including links to videos and soundtracks wherever they may be.

[blink138]

quote that does sound spooky indeed - what's the app called?

paul my young son brought it to my attention a couple of years ago.... i was listening to a blues show on foxtel channel and i had the vinyl of this track 25 years previous and forgotten all about it, and could not remember whom the artist was...... next thing he has got his phone up against the speaker and ten seconds later "bobby blue bland, st james' infirmary!" i will ask him tomorrow and report back, i myself have never had a mobile phone so it is all "white mans magic" to me ha ha!
love our liver bird by the way! going back to my beautiful city next week for the first time since 1973
i would try google music recognition for a start
pat

[PeterM]

You want spooky and magic, just whistle some of the tune into Sound Hound and if you are a reasonable whistler voila. Doesn't work with Shazam.