Music on a website

[EssexWeddingServices]

Hi,

What is the law regarding playing music on a website ?

A friend of mine runs a DJ's website and I was wondering what sort of music is allowed ?
I'm assuming this is a strict area of royalties for playing music to the public, but I was wondering if there was a time limit (or anything similar) to be able to play a snippet of music ?

Thanks

[Tim R-T-C]

Would it be commercially released / copyrighted music or is it public domain/royalty free stuff?

With the former you are on very sticky ground, fair use probably would not apply. With the latter I don't believe there are any problems. There are a few good public domain and royalty free music libraries out there, although unless he is a classical music DJ I doubt PD music would be that useful.

[EssexWeddingServices]

It would be commercially released stuff.
Like a 5 minute mix of music he'd play at a disco.
I guessed he'd have copyright issues, but wondered if there were any acceptable allowances ?

[Claire B]

If you contact PPL they will be able to help you and advise on the correct licence to have and then your friend would be covered :)

PPL 020 7534 1000

Even with royalty free music you have to be careful because if you are using someone elses recording, then you still have to pay a licence to cover the master rights.

[blackandwhite1986]

Contact the Performing Rights Society (PRS). We have had to pay a license for simply having the radio on in our factory. To quote "You have to pay according to how many people listen or could listen" Hopefully they can guide you in the right direction. I wouldnt recommend passing them your friends name as they will not stop harrassing you or them for yet another pointless expenditure.

[davidakerr]

You may also wish to visit the FSB Small Business Discussion Forum where you will find a Topic on this very subject.