|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 113
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 113 |
I'm looking for SoundCloud users here. I've got kind of a "silly" question. I know it's a place you can upload/post ORIGINAL songs for your peers to hear. However, I want to post a couple of cover tunes, NOT to sell, but as demos of my skill set so I can sell MIDI sequences, and maybe karaoke tracks to clients.
Any Ideas?
KC
i7-12650H CPU, 32Gig RAM/Win 11 Pro. PreSonus 1824C, Native Instr S88 Mk1, ATOM SQ, PreSonus Sphere, Sonar Platinum, SampleTank4, BIAB 2023.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,026
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,026 |
The user showcase is not the best forum here for this topic. Soundcloud is clear that they expect you to own the rights to the songs you post. That means a song you own, have licensed the song or the song is clearly in the public domain. Like at youtube folks often ignore the rules. In most cases there is a warning before being banned. And it will likely not be an issue unless the owner of the song raises it. And some artists are vigilant about it while others are lax. If you want demos to show what you might want to sell I'd suggest getting a digital license from Harry Fox or Limelight -- they aren't that expensive. Paying artists for their intellectual work is always the right thing to do -- IMO.
Last edited by Janice & Bud; 03/11/14 08:15 AM.
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
KC, it's been years since I read their rules but I BELIEVE that Motagator does indeed pay all royalties on cover songs posted there. Paul Asher, the owner, is a BIAB owner/user and will answer conclusively in a rare form of English.
It's also a great site to post your tunes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
perhaps a bigger issue than posting covers is that of selling karaoke tracks. You may be opening up a bigger can o' worms there than you can eat at one sitting.
I don't know what the legality of the disclaimers we all agree to when we click that little ol' "I AGREE" button every time we join one of those streaming sites... but basically they all protect the site from legal responsibility for the posting of copyrighted material. So, when you click "I AGREE" you are basically saying that you accept responsibility for your own interpretation of copyright law.
I have to think these agreements were drafted by lawyers, and would stand up in court, if it came to that.
The million dollar question is whether a small fish without deep pockets would be worth suing. Your call.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,455
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,455 |
KC, if your MIDI sequences are not song specific and they do not contain any melody lines then you can set up your own web site to sell them. By not song specific I mean they do not contain riffs that can be easily recognized as part of a song, say like the intro to Susy Q or Satisfaction etc. If you check out BiaB’s styles you will see there are a couple of song recommendations the styles can be used with but the styles are not song specific.
If you sequence a song to sell them you must obtain the rights to do so.
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,770
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,770 |
Anything you post for the public to hear, or attempt to sell in any form does require that you purchase the proper license to do so legally, IF the song is covered by a copyright. Original songs and public domain are excluded from that requirement.
Harry Fox Agency is the place to start as they handle the licensing for the majority of the commercial music available and can either issue you the proper license or point you to who can.
Do not attempt to sell anything covered by someone else's copyright without the proper license and permission forms in your hand. Doing so opens you to a slam dunk lawsuit and you're the one getting slammed and dunked.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
...NOT to sell, but as demos ... US Copyright law is plain, whether you sell it or not does not come into play, if you don't pay the proper licensing for use and publish it anywhere for any stated reason, it can be a copyright violation. There is a way to do it properly, though, via one of the various licensing agencies. Start at the source and do your homework: http://www.copyright.gov/ They have a FAQ there, read it. --Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Harry Fox agency doesn't license karaoke, however HFA FAQ (see FAQ # 18) For that you need to deal directly thru ASCAP, BMI and/or SESAC (links to those places are in the Harry Fox Agency FAQ)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I didn't bring up Harry and his Fox, did I?
Ya gotta do your homework in these endeavors.
It STARTS with the us gov copyright page.
In this day and age, though, finding out where to go and what to do is a matter of maybe a few hours on the internet now, not days waiting for snail mail to find out these things.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
I see stuff on SoundCloud like people recording guitar to a karaoke track and haven't seen it banned or pulled from the site.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
I see stuff on SoundCloud like people recording guitar to a karaoke track and haven't seen it banned or pulled from the site. Yeah, that's the cheese in the mousetrap. You see abuse of the copyright law EVERYWHERE... but just because everybody on the interstate is speeding doesn't mean the state trooper won't pull you over. What's the likelihood of getting nailed? probably very small. What's the degree of liability if you DO get singled out as an example? You would certainly lose the lawsuit. Bear in mind that in order to join ANY of these sites, you had to click "I AGREE", and that's legally binding. On the other side of the coin: there are plenty of laws on the books that are never enforced. Your call.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
I see stuff on SoundCloud like people recording guitar to a karaoke track and haven't seen it banned or pulled from the site. My paranoia on this topic is as follows: 1) there have been news blurbs about more and more crackdowns on small-time offenders (restaurants that host live music, but didn't pay ASCAP or BMI). Success makes sharks bolder 2) it has always been the conventional wisdom that a little guy without deep pockets is not worth the trouble of a lawsuit. But the web may have changed that. All they'd have to do is subpoena all the music sites to obtain those sign-up agreements, then initiate a class action lawsuit. Getting a little bit of money from a lot of people is almost as good as getting a lot of money from one offender. I expect to see this eventually, because: 1) the records are in place 2) the technology exists to get them easily 3) and there's money to be made if they do
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
"Seeing people posting cover tunes"
"Demos intended to advertise sale of karaoke tracks"
Gee, which one is likely to get the attention of the Cease and Desist attorney letter first?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646 |
what you should do instead of using songs currently under copyright, create midi tracks of public domain songs, it will still show your skill at midi sequencing. You can then create your own website and put the link on your soundcloud account for the tracks you create. Karoke is no different from a full version song, it will still be copyright infringement to use the melody of a song; so unless you purchase the license you can not sell them. You could however offer to turn peoples original songs to a backing track and still make money if that is your goal, and by showing your backing track creation skills you may grow a client pool. People do post cover songs, a site will generally not buck unless you are selling the copyrighted tracks, unless someone associated with the artist protest. Then you will be given a warning to remove the track immediately or risk prosecution.
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,963
Posts798,320
Members39,995
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean