Legal Question in Entertainment Law in Maine
Recording a compilation CD
I help manage a website in Maine. We would like to compile a cd of local artist. Each of the artists is willing to donate a song to the CD - we agree that they keep the rights to the song. We also agree to promote and distribute the CD statewide...giving the bands much publicity.
My question is what would our legal resposibilities be as per writing up a contract?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Recording a compilation CD
You will need a contract that memorializes this agreement and addresses all the other issues remaining, such as how to resolve disputes, when the agreement ends, etc. My firm focuses on Internet, media and entertainment law.
Re: Recording a compilation CD
In your short recital, I can think of at least 8 to 10 points you probably haven't considered, some of which are based on my assumptions as to what you're trying to do. When you state each of the artists are donating a song, does that mean you're selling it and retaining all revenues, including mechanical royalties? When you state they're keeping the rights to their songs does that mean they're getting all the revenues? If you have a website, what does promoting and distributing the CD statewide mean? You ought to retain an attorney. I assume you're going to some cost to do this. If so, hire a knowledgable attorney.