|
Re: Ascap & Bmi
There seems to be some confusion on exactly what the role of the "performance societies" (ascap, bmi, seasac) actually is and how far they can go.
They can NOT ask to see your discs, equipment or anything else. That is NOT their function. (Well, they can "ask" all they like.... you are under NO obligation to show them anything.)
BECAUSE:
They license the "establishment"... NOT a "person". You cannot get an "ascap license"... only your business (with a stationary address) can... and it better be where the music is performed. And NO.... you cannot license your DJ or KJ business.... it doesn't work that way.
Their licenses are for different types of entertainment and there are different licenses for each one:
1. if your club has a live band: that's one license
2. if your club has a disc jockey OR karaoke (or both): that's ANOTHER license
3. if your club has a Jukebox: that's another license (handled by the J.L.O. or Jukebox Licensing Office - an office sponsored by ascap, bmi and seasac to share expenses and economize on effort)
There are a number of other licenses as well depending on whether your club has large screen TV's (with audio), the number of them, etc...
All licensing fees are based on the actual number of SEATS IN THE CLUB. Smal clubs will pay the minimum fees (around $360.00/year for karaoke from ascap) and larger establishments will pay more....
And YES, it is possible for ASCAP to demand a license from your club.... and THEN BMI walking in behind them and demanding another license with SEASAC following a close third and demanding their license fees as well.
If any of the performance societies really want to push it... they CAN and will win if they want to persue any club in court. The double-edged sword here is that it would cost much more than a license fee to persue it.
|