OT: How rediculous is this?

I realize it may be OT.. but I am on a bluegrass forum that is having a similar discussion right now.

Apparently a pizza parlor is hosting a bluegrass jam on Sunday evenings. BMI showed up with a bill for the pizza parlor owner to pay a fee for the use of the music.

The bluegrassers are all up in arms about big corporations, big music, etc. ripping off the little guy that just wants to play for fun.

They claim that the copyright owners of songs aren't being paid by BMI or ASCAP because the organization is keeping all the royalties they collect as management fees.

It is hard to find any actual information about the members of BMI or ASCAP actually getting paid for their song usage.. I would like to know if anyone has any sources that show copyright owners are actually getting paid.

I almost didn't join a songwriter's rights organization like ASCAP or BMI because of the YEARS OF HARRASSMENT from their licensing goons experience by any tiny hole in the wall that wanted to have a folkie sing a couple songs in the corner.

Some of our professional organizations are not much better than the mob protection rackets they grew out of.

That is one of the aspects of this issue we have been discussing. If those who join these organizations were aware of their tactics, would they leave, or would they be glad their rights are being agressively protected?

I have suggested a letter writing campaign to the song owners describing some of the harrassment being experienced at some venues by these organizations.

Perhaps with enough input from their members, the licensing and enforcement organizations could modify their behavior.

There are also complaints that the money collected never makes it to the copyright owners.. all the collected funds just go to the administration of BMI, ASCAP, etc.

Any information on THAT? Any copyright owners around here getting paid?

i know several people who use BMI and ASCAP and they've gotten paid. of course just because you sign up with them doesn't mean you're going to get paid. you need to play and/or get airplay.

to put it in perspective, I know someone who hasn't sold very many records but did get some airplay and they do small tours fairly frequently. they got enough to buy a couple distressors, 2 earthworks mics and 2 pre's along with a L47 fet. that seems pretty real to me.

Well there is an upside to this. Now the shop owner has a good reason to stop that kid from playing VH's Jump in keys department.

If ASCAP and BMI were more aggressive, wouldn't that make bands who perform entirely original music more attractive to venue owners?

Of course, if a band plays original songs that are registered with BMI or ASCAP, does the venue owner still have an obligation to buy a license?

just to clear things up....

venue owners pay a blanket fee, not individual licenses. that would be a nightmare obviously. I forget what it is but it can vary, probably if live music is involved compared to say just a jukebox. unless they raised it, its not a very high amount from what i remember.

if someone is serious about releasing their music I always suggest to register with either BMI or ASCAP. Its completely worth it IMO.