Expert: Nyall Engfield - 12/14/2009

Question
Hi,

I am thinking of starting an online business focused on producing and selling backing tracks of popular songs in mp3 format. My question is: Can I freely produce and sell instrumental backing tracks based on popular songs (e.g. Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Rihanna, etc) or will I need to pay a fee or acquire some kind of a license? If so, could you please point me in the right direction, as I have already tried researching and cannot find any extensive information on the subject?

Thank you,
Alex

Answer
Alex,

You would need a license from the copyright owner (generally SOCAN in Canada)  in order to produce your version, or use the owner's version, of the backing track of a popular song. The cost of the license depends on how many copies you intend to sell. The venue playing your backing tracks needs a different type of license, for a karaoke bar, in this case. Take a look at the website, which has a helpful FAQ: www.socan.ca