Loop Based Music Licensing at DVinfo.net

Andrew Clark · September 25th, 2015, 06:26 PM

Hello -

Does anybody know about the licensing issues, if any, when creating a musical composition using loop based software (i.e., Sony Acid Pro, GarageBand, etc...)???

Basically what I'm trying to find out is ... if I create a musical composition using such software, do I "legally" own the license / rights / etc. to the composition even though I purchased and used multiple loops created by various other artists?

Also, any suggestions (websites, books) for reading up on licensing would be much appreciated too!!!

Mike Watson · September 25th, 2015, 11:30 PM

I believe it's in the terms of use of GarageBand. I've used it for broadcast TV in the US and never had any problems.

Roger Gunkel · September 26th, 2015, 03:28 AM

Same with me, used Garage Band and Magix Music Maker many times for commercial work and upload to YouTube etc with never a problem.

It may be different now, but in my recording studio days some years ago, you could sample and use virtually anything providing the sample didn't exceed 10 seconds.

Roger

Paul R Johnson · September 26th, 2015, 05:51 AM

Oddly, the system employed by PPL now has samples itemised as non-featured performances, and they have a first generation sample, then a second generation (as in a sampled sample) and even third generation. Their members can do a search of themselves to find if anyone has incorporated any of their work, in a later sampled one. This assumes users fill in the studio data on recordings. Members usually do, non-members don't. However, this does suggest that if the owner finds out you used it, they can make a claim - and I guess if the recording then turns out to be an illegal one, they could take action.

If the legit users have to pay, then non-legit ones will have to too.

Interesting.

Andrew Clark · September 26th, 2015, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul R Johnson

Oddly, the system employed by PPL ...

Apologize for my stupidity here ... but what is PPL?

Mike Watson · September 26th, 2015, 05:30 PM

PPL is who you license music from in the UK. Like ASCAP/BMI here in the states.

Andrew Clark · September 27th, 2015, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Watson

PPL is who you license music from in the UK. Like ASCAP/BMI here in the states.

Ahhh ... got it; thanks!!!

Paul R Johnson · September 27th, 2015, 10:34 AM

We have two - PPL and PRS, PPL for the recordings and PRS for the composer's rights!

Andrew Clark · September 27th, 2015, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul R Johnson

We have two - PPL and PRS, PPL for the recordings and PRS for the composer's rights!

So (if I was a U.K. resident) would I need to register with both organizations if I Composed and Recorded my compositions?

September 25th, 2015, 06:26 PM	#1
Andrew Clark Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 477	Loop Based Music Licensing Hello - Does anybody know about the licensing issues, if any, when creating a musical composition using loop based software (i.e., Sony Acid Pro, GarageBand, etc...)??? Basically what I'm trying to find out is ... if I create a musical composition using such software, do I "legally" own the license / rights / etc. to the composition even though I purchased and used multiple loops created by various other artists? Also, any suggestions (websites, books) for reading up on licensing would be much appreciated too!!!

September 25th, 2015, 11:30 PM	#2
Mike Watson Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,082	Re: Loop Based Music Licensing I believe it's in the terms of use of GarageBand. I've used it for broadcast TV in the US and never had any problems.

September 26th, 2015, 03:28 AM	#3
Roger Gunkel Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: LIncolnshire, UK Posts: 2,213	Re: Loop Based Music Licensing Same with me, used Garage Band and Magix Music Maker many times for commercial work and upload to YouTube etc with never a problem. It may be different now, but in my recording studio days some years ago, you could sample and use virtually anything providing the sample didn't exceed 10 seconds. Roger

September 26th, 2015, 05:51 AM	#4
Paul R Johnson Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lowestoft - UK Posts: 4,045	Re: Loop Based Music Licensing Oddly, the system employed by PPL now has samples itemised as non-featured performances, and they have a first generation sample, then a second generation (as in a sampled sample) and even third generation. Their members can do a search of themselves to find if anyone has incorporated any of their work, in a later sampled one. This assumes users fill in the studio data on recordings. Members usually do, non-members don't. However, this does suggest that if the owner finds out you used it, they can make a claim - and I guess if the recording then turns out to be an illegal one, they could take action. If the legit users have to pay, then non-legit ones will have to too. Interesting.

September 26th, 2015, 05:30 PM	#6
Mike Watson Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,082	Re: Loop Based Music Licensing PPL is who you license music from in the UK. Like ASCAP/BMI here in the states.

September 27th, 2015, 10:34 AM	#8
Paul R Johnson Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lowestoft - UK Posts: 4,045	Re: Loop Based Music Licensing We have two - PPL and PRS, PPL for the recordings and PRS for the composer's rights!