Karaoke Forums

This is a topic that DJs talk about often. The only way the DJ/KJ is responsible for licensing fee is if they are renting out a place themselves and promoting their own show or rave. That may have been the case with the band Babs was talking about.

There's no fighting these licensing agencies, they have too much legal precedent on their side. If they sue you, they will win. They can also get an injunction against a bar from playing ANY music over speakers bigger than a clock radio. Even if it's the radio! As has been said, it might well not be until he gets a summons that he'll take it seriously.

Babs, rest assured whether you're there or some other host, he's going to have to pay. And any DJ/KJ/band would be out of their mind to pay HIS licensing fee. In fact, my performance contract says, "Contractor warrants that all appropriate music licensing fees have been paid and Talent is not responsible for same." And yes, never leave any of your gear there overnight. Last thing you want to do is wake up and find it's been padlocked or seized.

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I think the same wouyld hold true if you were doing this at an Amusement Park or some outdoor event where you have to pay to rent the table space.

Don't worry Bab's

As soon as the owner gets a legal notice he will be playing a different tune. Right now he is playing big shot, but once he realizes that they are going to play hard ball he will belly up to the bar and pay the fines.

No way is he going to jeopardize his business for $2000. He better dump his lawyer because this guy hasn't a clue about who he is dealing with. Once the pressure is applied he will be singing a different tune.

I'm proud of you for going to your meeting prepared and had the documentation to show this clown that he can't mess with you. You go girl!

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FlipSide Karaoke
Scott

Yes, you will be shut down if he refuses to pay. It has happened elsewhere, and there is no reason why it won't happen at his bar. The Oyster Bar and Grill in Pt Washington used to have live music of different kinds during the week... last time I went there expecting the regular band, there was nothing and when I asked where the band was, I was told the bar didn't have a music licence.

If I were you, I'd be looking for a new venue where the owner does have, or will obtain the appropriate licence.

EDIT: If he accepts his lawyer's advice that a licence is not needed, then why does he want you to pay for a licence?

Once again, and then I'll shut up. You don't have to pay these people for karaoke. DJ? Yeah.... Bumper music? ....sure. But not karaoke.

READ THE LAW not something posted on a website, not someone's opinion of the law but the actual statute.

I think you will find that they really haven't got a leg to stand on. I doubt that they would file a lien because (as I see it) then they would have to state an actual dollar amount as damages and they are only entitled to collect what the songwriter that they represent is entitled to collect. Since the music in karaoke is incidental, that would be nothing.

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Okay, who took my pants?

Good research Babs and thanks for the detailed references! They are very helpful. I haven't come across this issue (yet), but I will be ready when and if I do!

The most sensible thing I've seen you type.... ever!

I suspect that his "lawyer" is a figment of his imagination. No lawyer with a licence to practice would advise anyone in that manner. The reason I say this is because it simply doesn't add up. As Murrlyn stated, if his "lawyer" has advised him he doesn't have to pay, then why is he trying to get you to pony up? I suspect he told you about his "lawyer" in order to make it appear that he had some legitimacy to his argument with you because he knew he was losing and he doesn't like to lose. He knew he would appear stupid and it sounds like he was trying to cover that up. However, it's too late. He already looks like the idiot he is.

Thank you all for your responses !

I'll be sure to let you all know how this turns out.

The last couple yrs the bar owner has pretty much left me alone. He has never called me on the phone ever and our only contact is usually to say Hi or bye when he sees me. I don't even think he knows my real name. I'm the longest working employee he has ever had. It is probably because he's learned to trust I'll always show up and do my job. I like where I'm at and the setup I have, so I'm in no hurry to jump ship, but if I'm forced to I will.

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You should have said something sooner. If it doesn't make sense, someone can help you with the big words.

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Okay, who took my pants?

Exactly.... I would be paying the venue's license fee for the karaoke portion of their ASCAP license.... the contract is between me and the venue... has nothing to do with me & ASCAP.

The VENUE would have to agree that I would be the exclusive karaoke person for the term of the ASCAP license that I would be paying, or they pay 2 nights of karaoke and the prorated remaining balance of the license fee. The check is made out to the VENUE to seal the contract, it's up to the venue to forward that portion to ASCAP.

And I would write off my taxes the expense as "licenses and permits" since that is what it is intended for.

If you're there 1 night a week at $150 for a year, that's (52 x $150)= $7,800.00 if the fee is $350... you still don't lose anything since you're writing off the fee anyway and guaranteeing that you'll make at least $7,450.00 in cash & $350 in write offs.

Besides you can't write off "free charity jobs" since the IRS doesn't allow "contributions of services"

We will take you up here in Milwaukee, Babs