The Performance Rights Organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) are supposed to look out for the artists on their roster and collect performance fees anytime their artists music is played in venues, on radios, TV shows, movies, sports arenas or anywhere else music can be played.
Apparently, the next step for the group is to go after small, mom-and-pop cafes that cater to unsigned bands.
In Henderson, NV, a local cafe called Mocha Joe catered to unsigned bands and only unsigned bands. They never charged a cover and never paid the bands. It was an outlet for unsigned artists to play their music in a public environment.
According to ASCAP, since the unsigned artists COULD play a cover song by one of their artists at any time, Mocha Joe is required by law to pay an annual fee to ASCAP to have live shows. The other performace rights organizations stepped in and sent letters to Mocha Joe's as well.
Because the yearly fee's would approach $1,600, Mocha Joe's decided to stop having unsigned bands perform in their coffee shop. To ensure they complied, an ASCAP representative even went to the cafe to make sure the music equipment was taken down and the flyers removed. Seriously?
As the owner of Mocha Joe's pointed out....
"Where do you draw the line? Eventually, you're going to be driving down the street and have your radio on at a stop sign and it's a public performance. Are you going to license me there, too?"
This is getting out of hand. Next on the list: skate parks, schools and house parties. Leave your comment below!
Read the full article here.
3 comments:
I can see the point of why ASCAP would do this but this is pinching pennies. And since they were so proactive with shutting the live music down at this small cafe, a lot of bands who hear about this might not choose them for their licensing.
May 20, 2010 at 1:50 PMThis is where bad publicity might not be good for ASCAP.
ASCAP is going to turn themselves into the new RIAA if they keep pulling shit like this.
June 3, 2010 at 4:14 PMDetails at this point on the watch from Breitling Watch are zero except for what you see above - so I need to give you the "Ariel predictions." Size of the steel Navitimer World will be at least 44mm wide, perhaps a bit larger. Montbrillant Datora will have a slightly domed sapphire crystal and lots of durability. Water resistance will be at least 300 meters, but could be much higher given Breitling Avenger competition and the ability for its owners to have bragging points.
July 20, 2010 at 8:00 PMWondering where you can get a reliable DUKES OF HAZZARD program? You do have a chance now to download a great DUKES OF HAZZARD DVD writer application that has multiple features all DUKES OF HAZZARD DVD COLLECTION packed into an easy to use program. Read on to know more about the features and the offer.
There are various benefits where every individual could enjoy the comfort zones of Hogan such as Stylish lace-up is fully leather lined, Exotic fabric, Calf leather, Hogan uomo Rubber sole skin, Handmade product, Perfect grip and fitness, Perfect design and Hogan scarpe donna stunning look, Light weight, Water proof system, Constructed with comfort technology, Unique and innovative style, Hogan scarpe uomo Long-lasting surety.
Post a Comment
Thanks for leaving a comment and please register for our email list!