Distributing MP3s

[Eddy]

Does anyone know if it's legal to distribute cover songs as Mp3s on a website?

I mean, if I had a band and we did a cover of, say Sepultura's Roots, would it be legal to put it available on our website?

All info appreciated, links to related websites encouraged.

 

[jimbobhickville]

I would think you would need consent of the copyright owner, since I believe you need that to include a cover on a CD. Not completely sure, though. Good luck.

 

[Eddy]

Yeh, if only I had a band...

This is just hypothetical (sp?) question...

 

[Selphie]

If you were to make it available commercially by selling it yeah you'd need the songwriter's permission but making it available as a free download is different. I'm not totally sure with that one.

Why am I replying to a post that's hypothetical anyway?

-Selphie

 

[Eddy]

Yep, I know that if someone puts a cover on their album or something, they have to ask for permission.

I'm just wondering because there are some band sites that offer cover tunes.

Also, I'm interested because I did a schoolwork about copyright and didn't find anything about this subject.

Oh, and to be honest, I'm thinking of doing some of my own covers so the question is not completely hypothetical. I guess, if I get around to do anything, I'll just do it and see what happens.