Karaoke Forums

And if that is the case, then why don't you call them?





Then why waste your time here. Just go to the source and ask.


Sounds like there may be some THUNDER in paradise.

Let's circle the wagons one more time here... I don't need to call them because I can read and understand the plain english they wrote in on their website when they said that The law says all who participate in, or are responsible for, performances of music are legally responsible.

How much more plain can they be? It's so plain and easy to understand, that there is no need to call them and say "hay man, like what does this really mean man... dude, like... narly man"

Even the lawyer guy posted and said it would be a good idea to verify whether the venue has the license because the KJ can be held responsible if they don't... which is based on the quote from ASCAP's website.

I could probably come up with a picture if you think that would help you out...

Each would have to be contacted/paid individually

we have tried at least once every year to get a mobile use licence from SESAC/ASCAP and BMI. They continue to restate they do not offer licences to mobile DJ's/KJ's. We have had to turn down venues due to them not paying ASCAP/BMI and SESAC

Here's pretty much how it goes down. I know because the venue I played in did not know about one of the agencies and had not paid one of the fees. I guess they came in one night during the show. They sought out the owner, who happened to be there and asked if the bar paid a fee to them the owner told them he didn't know anything about them so, no, the bar did not pay their fees. They met up that week with the agent, the owner and the bar's lawyer. The agency discounted the fine and the bar started paying the yearly fee. The only reason I know this is because the owner told me after the fact.

Think about it folks; these agencies care about generating revenue for the writers they represent. KJs, by law, can't pay the fees for a venue. Not directly anyway.. This is a fact verified over and over again. So regardless of how they interpret the law regarding performance fees on their site, why would they bother with a KJ when legally, in black and white, the kj CAN'T pay them?
Yes, you should do your due diligence, but the buck stops with the venue. Again, the only time a KJ is on the hook is if they set up on a street corner or something.