Copyright rules seem to be going hard. Many livestream DJs have had that heart-sinking feeling when a notice appears on their screen saying they’re being muted. Or even cut off. But it’s more complex than just rights holders dampening the fun. When you’re done learning how to DJ using one player, check out more on the current copyright wars happening in the livestream and mix video space. 

The two rights of every track

There’s a right to be paid when your musical composition is played, and a right to be paid when your sound recording is played. These are two separate rights. If you created a song (melody, lyrics, etc) and then produced and recorded it yourself, you’re owed for both rights. If you have released a cover version, then only one of them. Anyone who wants to use either of these rights in their new musical composition needs a license. Get it? 

Granting a license

As a holder of copyright, you grant someone a license when 

  • They publicly perform the song. Not necessarily perform, like with a live band. ‘Perform’ in this case also means play back the record, like in a DJ set. 

  • They record a cover version of the composition

  • They synchronize the composition to film or video and make it available on-demand

So DJs are technically in the first camp. When you spin a record that you didn’t write, you (or whoever is organizing the event) technically owes the rights holder something. 

It gets super complicated. The music industry is a pretty murky place when it comes to legalities, but here’s what you need to know about DJing copyrighted material: if you play other people’s music, the artists should get paid. Without this basic agreement, the production of good music ends. Livestream platforms like Twitch and Facebook Live are tired of being hit with potential lawsuits, and have decided to block playback. 

It’s a weird time, and nobody really has a solution which suits everyone. Big companies like Amazon seem to want to help, but have yet to invent a sustainable way to genuinely support DJ culture. Watch this space. And while you’re watching it, watch a few preview videos from the online DJ courses offered by DJ Courses Online. Ever wonder how to do a proper backspin?