Know your rights

As a music producer in the modern world it is important to know your rights when it comes to your music. So I thought I'd take some time to share my thoughts on the topic and give you a better understanding of how the system works in Australia.

(Pintrest, 2017)

What???

In Australia copyright is the way creators protect the use of their creative and is governed by the Copyright Act (1968). (Austlii, 2017)

Music & Lyrics

"In any given musical track, there is usually more than one copyright owner:

The composer who wrote the music owns copyright in the musical works.
The lyricist who wrote the lyrics owns copyright in the literary works.
The artist who performed the music owns copyright in a sound recording in their live performance."

(Music Rights Australia, 2017)

Simply put this means that the person who creates the music, lyrics or performance owns the right to how that intellectual property is used in the future.

Recordings

Recordings of musical works fall into a different category as the person who pays for the recording to be produced owns the right to how that recording is reproduced, transmitted, copied or played in public.

(APRA AMCOS, 2017)

Why????

As a music producer this is important to me as this is how a musician can be paid royalties. As an electronic music producer I create music, lyrics and recordings. Take for example the song I am making at the moment "Rave with the duck" as I have created the percussion, sound design, melodies and lyrics the rights to this song are exclusively mine. Once the song is completed and I create the mastered version of the track I will also own the rights to that recording and how it is used, distributed and reproduced.

(I Heart Melbourne Tours, 2017)

HOW???

So how do you get paid? In Australia we have APRA AMCOS and the PPCA. These not for profit organisations license businesses and other organisations and entities to

APRA AMCOS

Australasian Performing Right Association merged with the Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society in 1997 to create APRA AMCOS this body represents Australian musician. Check out the video below for more information.

(APRA AMCOS, 2017)

PPCA

"Established in 1969, the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia Limited is a national, non government, non-profit organisation that represents the interest of record companies and Australian recording artists." (PPCA, 2017)

Very similar to APRA AMCOS the PPCA services businesses issuing licenses that allow them to play recorded music which in turn is paid to the registered copyright holder.

When???

Copyright in Australia last for the lifetime of the creator 25 to 70 years depending on the work. Check this website's guide to what type of work and how long the copyright remains valid. After copyright has expired the work enters the public domain and is free to be used in any way without royalties paid or permission required.

(Schlemmer, 2014)

Where???

Through global affiliates APRA AMCOS collects royalties across 91 countries world wide. Although not all countries have the same laws, reciprocal agreements are in place that allow for creators worldwide to keep doing what they love and to be rewarded for their efforts.

(APRS AMCOS, 2017)

Who???

So who does all this benefit, I can understand you thinking how does this help me. Well take a moment to sit back and think of every great song you've ever heard, your favourite album, a great movie or painting. Each one of these works was created with passion, someone gave up their time to inspire you with a work of art. Not only is it fair that they be rewarded for their efforts but the community at large will also be rewarded with higher quality works. If the creator doesn't have to have a second job just to put food on the table they are free to hone their craft and truly create wonderful things.

In todays society with the abundance of streaming and legal sources why not buy a song for $1.50 or even stream it for free rather than illegally download it. Not only will you get a higher quality recording but you will also be able to take pride in the fact that you've supported the person who created it continue to create.

References

APRA AMCOS. (2017). Copyright | APRA AMCOS Australia. Retrieved from http://apraamcos.com.au/music-creators/copyright/

APRA AMCOS. (2017). What we do | APRA AMCOS Australia [Video file]. Retrieved from http://apraamcos.com.au/about-us/what-we-do/

APRS AMCOS. (2017). International Affiliates | APRA AMCOS Australia. Retrieved from http://apraamcos.com.au/international-affiliates/

Austlii. (2017). COPYRIGHT ACT 1968. Retrieved from http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ca1968133/

I Heart Melbourne Tours. (2017). Money. Retrieved from http://www.iheartmelbournetours.com.au/how-to-save-money-visiting-australia

Music Rights Australia. (2017). What is copyright. Retrieved from http://www.copyright.org.au/acc_prod/ACC/Home/ACC/Home.aspx?hkey=24823bbe-5416-41b0-b9b1-0f5f6672fc31

Pintrest. (2017). Retrieved from https://au.pinterest.com/pin/279575089340155339/

PPCA. (2017). PPCA - Linking Business to Music Makers - About Us [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ppca.com.au/ppca-about-us/about--us/

Schlemmer, J. (2014). Google Calendar Animated Icon. Retrieved from https://dribbble.com/shots/1792443-Google-Calendar-Animated-Icon

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