Karaoke Forums

I've recently put together (probably cheesey by most pro standards) a home setup for personal use, but could see possibly getting into it an possibly having an opportunity to make a few bucks as well.

I've only been on the site a couple of times, but have been doing some reading and the Piracy topic comes up a lot on here, but not enough for me to truly understand it I guess.

What does a potential KJ need to do to cover his bases? Is buying Karaoke CD's from a store or online website enough to legally use those CD's or songs ripped from those CD's charge for a show at a bar, club, or private event?

Do you need to be associated or member of ASCAP, BMI, KIAA or some other group/organization?

I realize there may be some well depends type answers but would appreciate any info you could provide.

Thanks in advance!

The bar pays the ASCAP, SESAC and BMI fees. Those organizations won't let you pay dues even if you wanted to -- it's more lucrative for them to be funded through the venues.

As for the rest of the questions, the rest of us are trying to figure that out now. The rules of the game appear to be changing in new directions. You picked the right place to hang out and learn. Good luck.

So the legalities of karaoke or either cryptic in writing or non-existent with the exception of illegally ripped, shared, purchased?

You might check out the KIAA website and some of the lawsuits addressed in the thread, but it would seem a lot of the legal issues are in a state of flux. KJs have been buying karaoke tracks with open encouragement from retailers and karaoke manufacturers for decades. Now even engaging in public performance of a karaoke track seems to be coming into question...

I'm sorry I can't give you a clearer answer -- but I honestly don't know myself.

Yeah I've read a bit on KIAA, but not much there really. From what little research I've done it seems the only real no no at this point is using illegal copies that have either burned or ripped.

I'm sure there are lots of KJ's operating with pirated songs, but I understand the impact that will have on the industry especially with a product with such a small market as compared to say the record industry.

I didn't know if you bought say X disc from manufacturer ABC if it was ok to use or if company ABC also wanted additional monies since it would be used to generate revenue. I didn't know if they received those funds at the point of sale regardless if it was for private or commercial use or if you had to purchase a license based on something like an end users license agreement (similar to pc gaming) to use it commercially from each manufacture or for each disc or even each song.

there has already been someone who went through being accused and chose to do an audit before going any further. She was found to be within the 1:1 ratio and the suit was dropped with zero money changing hands.

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The Line Array Experiment is over. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Thanks Danny.
I'm assuming 1:1 ration means she had a legit copy of every song in her show?

If so currently as most of you understand the legalities as long as your using legally purchased Karaoke CD's or tracks from an online supplier you should be good?

That's the bottom line. Buy your music, keep your discs and/or receipts and you will be fine. Bar's pay the ASCAP/BMI licensing fees. Private parties don't need them.

Bazza's model is what people have been doing. Still now that the karaoke manufacturers are even starting to weasel on this "not for public performance" bit, I'm starting to wonder when we'll have to start worrying about how long it will be till somebody starts suing us on that theory.

Would you like to repost this as
As legal as we can be.
Because non of us are.

Break out the Rum Maties.
That parrot is for the microwave.
More Rum you swabs

Correct. I'm as legal as one CAN be - I use only mfrs. discs to base the show- but even the mfr. discs say not for commercial use. I'm only as close as one can get...

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"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."

No they state 'unauthorized public performance' - in which is up to the clubs to pay their publisher fees to make it so. I don't think i've seen a disc yet that states not for commercial use.

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ARRRR Me Hearties!!!!

Thanks Bazza for the laugh,,,i SOOO needed that