Is it legal?

[Florimo]

Hi there,

I am in the process of setting up a midi based performance and was wondering what is the stance on playing midi files at a venue if you have simply downloaded them from the Internet. Do they belong to the person who has sequenced them or the artist of the song itself? If it is the former, if you alter the midi in some way, does it then make you the owner?

Cheers,

Florimo
:confused2 :confused2 :confused2

[bogusperson56]

it's legal because it's no copywritten for one. Although it is a song put into a different form it's not illegal unless the creator copywrites it.

[empg]

I use midi files for keyboard lines in my band but we still play other instruments - Guitar, bass, drums along with the midi track. Not sure how midi on it's own would sound though but good luck

[jessicag]

I do not think it is illegal unless the owner copyrights it. Be sure to get a good soundcard if you are using straight midi sounds and not sampled sounds!

[mellachi]

if that would be illegal it would also be illegal to humm a song or something like that. As long it isn´t ampled.

[voice of god]

Hmmmm... I am using midis for live performance and I heard that it is illegal to use ones off the net or ones you've created. But it is legal if you've payed for them from a pro sequencing company.

Then I've also heard that its not illegal(as people above had said)

I started a similar thread to this one, might be worth a read Florimo here-

http://board.midibuddy.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5080&perpage=25&highlight=copyright%20laws&pagenumber=1

truth is, I still dont know for sure. I think the best bet is if anyone suspect asks u where u get your files from, say that u pay for them.

If u find anything out Florimo please keep us updated.

[saxmidiman]

It is illegal to use your own midi file or ones off the internet because the owner of the song is entitled to royalties off the song. Same thing applies to photocoping sheet music. If you don't pay for the song, the songwriter/owner cannot collect the royalties.

If you write the songwriter of the song asking permission to use the song, and they give you a go ahead, you are free to use that song as per the agreement made.

It's awfully complicated but that's how I beleive it to be.

[theARTiSAN]

I personally think the chances of the individual who sequenced a midi being present for a performance where his/her midi was used would be very slim...

It's funny how recording industry/artists/copywrite laws make even simple things into a complicated ordeal.
Next thing you know, you'll get sued for humming in the shower, or singing along with the radio in your car.

[Ronny]

Be under no illusions that it is illegal. A performer is making money out of someone elses idea, the song. If you buy a midi you get a licence which the company has paid for and you subsequently get. This entitles you to play the song live and even make 1000 recordings of it per vyear for your own profit. As art says, it's highly unlikely that the owner of the copyright will be at your performance but remember it is the song which is copyright in whatever form. If you play it on glass bottles for a profit then you're in breach of the copyright. :thumbsup: