There is nothing quite like an evening of live music. When die-hard fans cannot go and see their favourite bands play live, they can often find the next best thing with talented live cover bands for party hire across Melbourne.
But does this create a legal complication? With millions of dollars circulating in the industry, there is a string of laws around ownership of such musical performances, especially in relation to their performances.
Do cover bands need permission from the original artists, songwriters or producers to perform music that isn’t theirs?
In this article, Blue Avenue Entertainment explores this matter in more detail to ensure your venue and the entertainment you hire in Melbourne do not incur any legal ramifications.
Understanding Copyright & How it Impacts Cover bands in Melbourne and Wider Australia
With every song that is created, there is actually a selection of ‘rights’ that fall under the ‘copyright’ label. For example, each track has the ‘master rights’, which refer to the copyright around the sound recording, as well as the ‘composition rights’, which cover the underlying music and lyrics within the song.
There is also a right to perform copyrighted music in a public setting. As such, when cover bands decide to perform live compositions of other musicians’ songs, there is a few legal matters to consider.
But it is usually down to the venue to source the necessary permissions.
Holding a Blanket Licence to Welcome Live Bands for Party Hire in Melbourne
Modern venues need a selection of licences to carry out their business. While most will immediately think of a license to sell alcohol legally, if the venue owners or managers would like to allow live bands for party hire in Melbourne, they will also need to obtain what is known as a ‘business blanket license’.
A blanket license will grant an outside entity access to a full catalogue of work held by another rightsholder. These licenses are held by pubs, clubs, hotels, function rooms, and most other hospitality spaces that are expected to supply copyrighted music either on their premises or as an element of their services.
How to Obtain a Business Blanket Licence?
Venue owners and managers can apply for a business blanket licence through a specialised section of the Australian Government. With just a simple form and a yearly fee, venues will have legal authorisation to reproduce and communicate copyrighted music within the Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (APRA AMCOS) and Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) global inventory of registered songs (called works), sound recordings and music videos.
Once this licence is received, venues have the freedom to decide upon whichever live bands for hire they would like to perform at their next function – as well as their chosen set lists.
Are Live Bands Available for Party Hire at all Venues in Melbourne?
While cover bands in Melbourne do not technically need permission to play other artists’ songs, they will need first to ask whether a venue has a blanket license to ensure it is legal for them to do so. If not, and they progress to perform their act, then the rightsholder can make a claim against both the cover band and the venue, which could lead to a hefty punishment for copyright infringement.
Live Bands Available for Hire at Your Next Party or Event
At Blue Avenue Entertainment, we offer a wide range of cover bands in Melbourne that are sure to make your next event a hit.
Each of our bands comprises talented and experienced musicians who are dedicated to providing high-quality entertainment for you and your guests. They offer a diverse array of music genres, as well as a collection of hits, classics, and their own sets of original tracks. With this selection, you can choose the perfect band for your upcoming function, whether it’s corporate entertainment, a birthday party, wedding receptions, or any other special occasion.
Not only will our cover bands entertain your guests with their outstanding performances, but they’ll also help create an atmosphere that will make your event unforgettable. Plus, we have an easy booking process, and our team is ready to help you every step of the way.
Book Professional Cover Bands for Your Next Function in Melbourne
So, why not book one of our cover bands today and take your event to the next level! Contact us at Blue Avenue Entertainment for more information.
