Legality around remixing!?

[SkyMarshall Arts]

Hi.

I'm in the process of making a complete work-up on Apoptygma Berzerk's "Eclipse". No sampling involved what so ever, no sampled vocals - not even a midi. I will be building the entire thing from scratch up, and I'll do the singing myself since I have pretty much the same vocal abilities as the lead singer in Apop. It will be pretty close to the original, only a little harder and more "trancy" with a couple of original added melodies and a little different deeper bassline. I'll be calling the thing "Eclipse [Apoptygma Tribute]" and Im about 70% done.

What I am wondering about, is how the laws surrounding remixes of released tracks from signed artists work, basically. There is no profit involved, and it is only going to be aveliable for free download - as usual - like the rest of the remixes in here. Actually, its more a cover than a remix - or a little bit of both.

I have quite a "big" bunch (about 2500 unique from my website on every release) of people downloading, so there is always a chance someone which have a say in these things hear it. I dont want to get any angry emails from Sony demanding I remove it and so forth for being in violation of whatever. I do this to pay a little tribute to people who meant something to me growing up and starting making music, and thats all.

So, anyone with the knowledge of what's "yes" and what's "no" in here?

[Chris Abbott]

The best thing here is to create it, and then submit it to the band asking their OK. Apart from being polite, it actually might get picked up for use by the band or the record label itself. Technically wherever you distribute that track Sony would be entitled to send a mail about it if they haven't granted permission.

Chris

[SkyMarshall Arts]

Thanks, I think that is what I'll do.
Alltough the net is loaded with unofficial fan covers and remixes, asking is always a good thing.
I'll post the final mix when it's done, for those who wish to hear it.

[Vosla]

And I hope that somebody of actual knowledge will read it as big players tend to simply say that you don't own shit but they do...

I had a run into a lawyer while asking for permission for doing a parody (which is actually FULLY covered by law over here) and that bastard didn't really read the whole thing and did just fling a cease & desist at me. Such an Arsehole!

[SkyMarshall Arts]

Yes indeed! I am however waiting for a reply from Stephan Groth asking for permission. He's a fellow norwegian, so I might be able to get an "ok" from him since I know he appreciates the "underground". But, it wont be a big thing whatever I do with it - since there's no money involved and credits go where they should go.

But would be fun with a "yes" from the man himself.
Got an ok from Chis Huelsbeck on my Turrican remix way back. Even sent me a dance-remix of Freedom he had done himself in return.

We'll see!

[Ic3m4n]

Since here are some open-minded (& maybe [just a little bit] wise) music-interest, i hope you can help me with my little copyright-problem too ?!

If i want to release (offer for download) my Mega-Mixes, wich includes 30 (sometimes up to 64 ) different artists, do i have a tiny chance to get the "O.K." from all of them ?! Or does this kind of re-mixing counts as covering ? Hope you know what i mean...my english is limited

[Chris Abbott]

No chance at all, I'm afraid. Most of the time artists are represented by management or lawyers who stand to lose a lot by saying "yes", and nothing by saying "no". By the same token, it would cost more to stop you then they would lose by technically turning a blind eye... so it's a kind of uncomfortable equilibrium.

Chris

[SkyMarshall Arts]

Thanks for the replies anyway, though.
I took my chances - did the remix - and sent a copy to Apop.
Maybe they'll give me an answer then... I dont know.

I've posted it in the "Other Releases" btw.
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=5855

/case closed