Internet, downloading, and karaoke

[Karaoke Meister]

A parody would only require a mechanical reproduction license which costs about $43 because it requires prepayment of 500 copies. It would be different if offered in a digital format but you can get information at HFA.

Doing even a midi version requires a synch license. I thought about this a while back. Pick up a high end Roland Synth and use mid/kar files. You loose the backing vocals but it could actually be BETTER quality than some of the CDG's I've seen! Problem is the licensing....

Licensing drives a lot of the ways we can use music. And most of the time it's overly restrictive.

I'm actually about to talk to a local group about doing a karaoke album of their stuff. I'm going to see if I can get a copy of their masters from the studio so I'll use the SAME music they used on the album! Don't know how far it will go but it's original music so they own the rights to it. I'll do all the work and try to work out a deal on the profits. I'm only wanting to be able to sing the songs while out at karaoke. If I just recoup the production cost and/or the cost of the software to produce the tracks I'd be happy. If I'm real lucky they work out a deal to have me work with other local bands. Keep in mind it only applies to original music - nothing covered can be done this way without synch rights!