I want to use the song "Carolina on my Mind" in a video of mine, is that legal?

Question

It is a school project but also a promotional video for the company I am interning for. It will not be sold but it will be used as a promotional aid on their website and burned on DVDs for handouts. Is it legal to use that song for promotional purposes as long as I'm not selling it?

Answer 1

Hi, not legally speaking, until you are not making a commerical use of it, its not illegal. however, as law has it own rules, you would need to obtain a written permission from the owner or person who own the copywrite of this song, to perform this song publicay. reason is, you are using this song to promote your company, that will benefit them in future with more business, and image makeover, and you are using it in general public, where people pay to hear that song. and you are taking the benefit of using it to promote that company. So you may would finally land up as "not legal" thing.

I would suggest, obtain a written permission from owner, and remember to inform that you would provide credit of song to owner, and inform public the original source of song in your documentation, and before or after airing your show. like, you see in shows, or ads,or movies, featuring music of other composers, and they provide thanks/credit to them using it for promotion.

So,best wishes for your show as well.

regards

Mike.

Consultant, Moneybulls.com

http://www.moneybulls.com

a business promotion company

Answer 2

You can't legally use the song if it will ultimately result in a "public performance", which based on your explanation it will.  Just as a bar or hotel pays licensing fees for the use of music in their establishments, you are technically required to obtain a license for the tune.  Generally for a school project the owners of the property (the song) would not really care one way or the other, but in a commercial venture, the writers and artists are more interested in being paid for their property.  You need a licensing agreement if you intend to stay legal.

Answer 3

You need written permission from the owner of the song.