MCPS (Mechanical Copyright Protection Society)Licensing
If you intend to record songs which are cover versions of original copyright material please beaware that there are laws protecting the material.
The MCPS has introduced a licensing scheme which allows access to its members repertoire within certain types of low exploitation productions without the need for obtaining permission from each individual copyright owner.
The Licence covers upto 500 copies of material subject to the terms and conditions and payment of the appropriate fees, the recording of MCPS members musical works onto an audio only or audio-visual production.
If you are considering the reproduction of music then all you need do is apply for a licence, using the form obtainable from the MCPS website as follows.
The process is fairly simple and all you need to do is download the application form from the MCPS website, complete and return with various details. A fee is required depending on the length of the recording and the number of units to be licensed (number of copies). Fees are reasonably priced and ensure that you are protected as well the original artists. Top up licenses can be applied for if license limits are exceeded.
Jade Elephant Studios recommends that you review copyright details before reproducing any copyright performances onto audio media.