Legal Question in Entertainment Law in New York
Music Royalties for songs played at a wedding
Are perfomers such as those providing live music at weddings required to pay fees or royalties to the copyright owners of the songs they perform?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Royalties for performance.
I've honestly forgotten the law, but my vague recollection is that they ought to pay a set amount,which is a few cents per person likely to be listening, something like 1.6 cents. This won'tput your kids through college, I'm afraid.
Why specifically did you ask? Do you have more than an idle curiosity? If so, tell me the real story.
Performing Royalties For Live Performance
A performer does not pay any royalty. However, if the performance is given in a commercial establishment, the owner of the establishment pays an annual license fee to the performing rights societies (BMI, ASCAP, SESAC)for the music performed live there. If the performance is in a non-commercial establishment such as a church, the church is not required to pay annual license fees to the performing rights societies.
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