Have you ever gone on YouTube to search for your favorite song, only to find a cover from an artist trying to be discovered? Are you the aspiring artist who believes by doing cover songs, will be a great way to get notice, since those songs are already popular? Well what you did not know posting copyrighted material is against the law and will result with you being sued and a possible jail sentence.
By intellectual property law, according to The Beat, protects digital music, like any other recorded piece of music. Artists who are trying to get discovered should stick to original music, instead of posting content of songs copyrighted by famous artist.
Aspiring rapper and producer, Joshua Campbell, performs at his first concert. (Source: Katrina's photos)
“YouTube users have to be more conscious of the fact that just because they post music songs or videos online and they put in their text box ‘I don’t mean for any copyright infringement,’ that doesn’t protect them,” said aspiring rap artist and producer, Joshua Campbell.
It’s unfortunate when upcoming artists, who are trying to get their music discovered, content is removed because they did not read the copyright tips that Youtube list for artist to avoid a lawsuit or its removal.
“Just because you buy a CD does not mean you own it and can use it for YouTube cover,” said filmmaker, Racquel Walker.
According to YouTube’s copyright tips, the way to ensure that your video doesn’t infringe someone copyrights is to use your skills and imagination to create something completely original.
Reading the copyright tips on the popular video sharing site YouTube before posting content, will prevent artists from copyright lawsuits. (Source: Katrina's photos)
Aspiring artist should research copyright laws before posting content to YouTube. Also, by researching sites that offer free music to cover such as Royalty Free Music. Another site where artist can submit their work, Creative Commons, is a perfect outlet for aspiring artist who are trying to get discovered.
By knowing your rights as an artist, you will protect the artist from a lawsuits. Even though the internet is a place where you are able to connect with others and discover new things, the content posted online is not free for all to use, especially without permission.
According to The Beat, in order to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law, consider purchasing a legal music license from royalty free music websites such as www.premiumbeat.com, who offers thousands of royalty free soundtracks that an artist can choose from.
By being creative and posting original music will help any artist avoid the hassle of having to deal with a copyright infringement lawsuit.