Hey R&M,

Once a song has been released to the public, you may play it, you may play it live, and you may make as many cover versions as you like.

If you are going to release it commercially, i.e. for money, you must give attribution, to the songwriters, and to the publisher.

You must do this when registering your song with your PRO, and you must also obtain a statuary licence for clearance. The best way to do this seems to be through the Harry Fox agency, which seems the best in dealing with this stuff. Minimum cost about $90 for the first 1000 copies, either digital or pressed.

You must then forward ( I think ) 9.1 cents per copy , as revenue comes in, to the publisher, who will then distribute income as it sees fit.

Note that any broadcast royalties are forwarded to the writers, and PRO royalties do not apply to your particular recording.

It may be a huge hit on standard media, but the PRO royalties go to the songwriter and publisher.

Note to Ms Cheyanne, I think you are confusing public domain with publically released.

cheers, niteshift

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