If you are a performer who likes to “cover” your favorite singer or or band’s songs, then you might want to think twice about doing it for money next time. Our friends as ASCAP is going after nighclubs, bards and others for publicly performing copyrighted material without permission from the publishers. Sweet.
ASCAP Targets Establishments Performing Copyrighted Music without Permission NEW YORK – The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) filed 24 separate copyright infringement actions against nightclubs, bars, and restaurants in 11 states. According to a press release by the Society, these establishments (listed below) have publicly performed the copyrighted musical works of ASCAP’s songwriter, composer and music publisher members without receiving their permission to do so, resulting in lost income for these music creators. “ASCAP is simultaneously filing these 24 actions to create awareness among music users and the public that it is a Federal offense to perform copyrighted music without permission,” said Senior Vice President of Licensing at ASCAP Vincent Candilora.
This is an interesting tactic to take which will surely have ramifications in many different areas of the music world.