Do Cover Bands Need a Licence?
There is no requirement for an artiste to buy a licence to play
covers.
The venue has to pay for a licence from the
Performing Rights Society (PRS) from which
royalties are distributed to the artistes they deem are being
covered.
If you want to record a covers CD and stay within
copyright law then you should obtain a licence from The Performing
Rights Society.
You fill in a form obtained from PRS listing
the songs, the writers and the publishing company (all easily found
on the original artiste media). You then state how many in total you
will be "pressing" and the price you will be selling them for less a
promotional amount of CD's. You are required to pay the invoice they
send you upfront of any sales. Go to their website
www.PRSformusic.com for more info.
If you are organising
an event yourself at a 'non-licensed' premises then contact PRS for
further advice.
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