Would I care if my songs were being played at a not-for-profit private party?

I haven't written any songs, but I don't think that would bother me at all.

If you play songs made with my copyrighted BiaB styles at a party, I don't expect to be compensated for it other than the price you paid for the styles in the first place.

If you make a recording with a song made with my styles and sell a zillion copies, I'm happy for you, and you don't owe me any more money.

But that's different.

The thousands asked for is for a yearly license. They paid it last year, and ASCAP is asking for it again this year. I advised them to contact a lawyer.

It's a large multi building condominium complex, with a 55 year old age limit to live there. Perhaps ASCAP factors in the number of residents.

But I agree, it's probably just easy pickings.

I do know that I also play in commercial, for-profit establishments that do pay their ASCAP license fees. And I'm happy about that.

I do want songwriters and publishers to get paid for their creations, but I think a not-for-profit party on private property for residents and guests should not owe anything.

I'm not sure what the law is though.

Insights and incites by Notes

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
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