By the way, my selected music pieces are from Ireland, the US & UK. My websites are hosted on servers in the US & Europe. My tax jurisdiction is Geneva (for now)!

Hi, you probably found the solution already, since this is an old thread, but just in case; as it is a bit confusing for performance rights in regard that your servers are in the US and in Europe, a national institution like SUISA or GEMA probably won't help. Have you tried contacting the labels or publishers of the pieces you want to use?

If you found the solution, I would be happy to know how you finally proceeded. 

depending on the reason for use and length of the copywrited material, you are allowed to use it without permission. for example, at a trade show or exhibition or even on your website, if the music or video plays for 12 seconds or less, you are not liable for copywright infringement.

copyright - as if anyone takes notice online

if you are really worried about this issue just go for non-copyright material...or actually creat it yourself

Thanks Roger

The music is to background to some informative slides presented as a video and runs for around 7 - 10 minutes. So a license is definitely required.

Correct nobody takes note. But my work is of a professional nature and the marketing is going to create a major splash in its niche ... and 'that' will get a lot of attention. The cost of a license (& doing the right thing) is nothing compared to the 'piracy' label and criminal offence that one might be labelled with.

non-copyright is not appropriate for my work ... usually that's what you hear in supermarkets and elevators. I am going to use some instantly recognisable real classics. 

And I'm an It guy, not a musician ... nor could the average/good musician create what I have in mind.

But thanks for the thoughts.

Hi BB

Yes I did find the answer. If you only want one or two pieces of music AND if you want to create derivative works eg for a TV commercial ... then yes contacting the publisher/record label is the correct way.

If you want more music eg for an Internet radio station it is impossible to discuss matters one pice at a time with one label/publisher at a time.

In my case I have selected 5 - 10 pieces of classics (not classical music) .. think Mission Impossible, Enya, etc.

The correct way to go is to contact one of national rights societies ... examine their catalogue to make sure your required music/artist/publisher is/are indeed covered by them. The obtain an Internet license. They all now have some kind of digital license.

So the question is which one? Based on my research it appears that the society must have jurisdiction in the coutry where your server is located. That is the server the plays the music you're interested.

It appears that for less than $400 I can get an annual license to play an enormous catalogue of music from my server in the US. Similar prices apply  for other regions.

I could for example run an Internet radio station. But that is not of interest. having said that the same license also gives me the right to do my own work.

As always, do your own research and make sure you get the full details from any rights society you deal with.

Have fun

B

you can ask the artist(s) or editors for a licence which is more convenient...

(if you want to use my music i will give you with pleasure if your site match my ethical values. )

Otherwise you must fill a broadcasting declaration. Normally most of author rights societies are connected so you can ask the local one. SUISA in Switzerland...

Then for broadcasting you must have one shot diffusion or day fees which are mostly used in television and advertising.

hope it helps,

K.