Asking permission to use a non-podsafe music track.....

[Dragon]

Hey all...

Im putting together my new (and first) podcast and have found a track on a small indie label from a new band that I would like to use. I intend to approach the label about using the track. Obv, they would get credit and a mention every show, with a link in the show notes. The track is released in a couple of months and would be good timing.

I was just wondering if antone has tried this, had success at this or could advise on how to approach this.

Thx.

Dragon.

[roadrageradio]

Hey all...

Im putting together my new (and first) podcast and have found a track on a small indie label from a new band that I would like to use. I intend to approach the label about using the track. Obv, they would get credit and a mention every show, with a link in the show notes. The track is released in a couple of months and would be good timing.

I was just wondering if antone has tried this, had success at this or could advise on how to approach this.

Thx.

Dragon.

I've asked several times (different artists), gotten one postive reply. Here's the thing. The performer may not have all the rights that you need, or they may not be aware of podcasts, or they may be advised to demand royalties for any use of their material.

It will also depend on the type of use you want. For example, I was given permission to use short snippets as bumpers between show segments, but I can't play any song full length

My approach was the same each time. I sent an email to the performer through their website, saying I had been a fan, had seen them live at xx concert, etc (and whatever true personal stuff applies) and was wondering if I could get permission to use title yy from their CD zz in my podcast. Then I added a little bit about my podcast and included a link to the podcast.

You need permission from the composer to use the song. If you're playing the actual album cut, you need permission from the record label, or whoever owns the master rights. And, because you're playing it on the internet, you need what is called a mechanical license which usually has a per listenr cost attached.

A small indie band may be self-published, using their own material and be in a position to give you all the rights, but don't expect a quick response, and don't get discouraged if you never hear back.

[tokies]

Hey all...

Im putting together my new (and first) podcast and have found a track on a small indie label from a new band that I would like to use. I intend to approach the label about using the track. Obv, they would get credit and a mention every show, with a link in the show notes. The track is released in a couple of months and would be good timing. .


i know dawn and drew did, not even an indie guy hes man stream now..


and i always surf myspace and send out the e-mail


also got ian knapp which is more a UK dude..

[JohnnyWB]

We do this every week.

Jodie does all the band/label contact. She has never been turned down.

We always give full credit and a link on the blog.

John

[EclecticMix]

I've got 43 shows so far (http://eclecticmix.com/) and been in contact with every artist/group (or their management) concerning their music.

For one, you need to be patient. There are times when the group is on tour and not checking their email frequently. Sometimes their management is not very good at getting back to requests that they do not consider important. Other times the band actually no longer exists and you have sent to an old email address (that's what happened with the group I spotlighted on show #3). Finally, sometimes you just won't be able to get to them - this has only happened to me with one group, so if anyone knows how to get in touch with The Disco Biscuits then I'd appreciate knowing <g>).

I keep track of all the requests I send out, and if they have not responded within a month then I send the request back out to them. If they have not responded again within a month then I resend to a different email address.

Always hold onto the email where they give you permission, as you just never know what might happen in the future. As music podcasts slowly start pushing radio away, you can be sure that the RIAA will start coming down on those playing non-podsafe music. FWIW, to date I have yet to have any independent artist/group tell me that they would rather that I not play their music.

Cheers -

george