Discussion:
alabama - If a band member writes the words to a song and then the band collectively writes the music and records it, then the member who wrote the words drops out of the band, who owns the music? Can the remaining members continue to play those songs?
Answer:
Author to the lyrics is still the copyright owner of that. whoever (group or indiv) writing the music are/is the owner(s). recording is another story, and playing is another story. you don't pay royalties/need a license to play live. Copyright 101. If you are a band member and want to find out more about such information, i suggest you check out
riaa.com and the u.s. copyright office website. also, try webnoize.
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I am a law school graduate. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.