Through a creative remix, a DJ can transform a song into a completely different and new experience. Musical artists like to showcase their work and broaden their reach, and remixes become an important part of their self-promotion. However, posting a live mix online on social media platforms might require more than technical skill and creativity. Copyrights connected to the music in the mix can create issues that every DJ needs to understand.
What can happen after uploading the mix?
Many artists assume that since they have created and recorded the mix on their own, they have the right to publish it online on their own social media accounts. However, the music included in the recording might belong to a separate artist, songwriter, publisher or record label. As a result, sharing a live mix on any social media platform can lead to numerous consequences, including:
- Copyright claims on the uploaded content
- Blocked or muted audio
- Removal of video
- Restrictions on where the content can be viewed
- Loss of monetization opportunities
Some artists believe themselves to be protected if they have purchased the music legally, however this is only a small part of the copyright issue.
Does giving the credit solve this problem?
DJs might think that giving credit to the original artist is enough to avoid any copyright issues in the future. Although proper acknowledgement is important, it does not automatically give permission to use the copyrighted music in a recorded mix.
Situations might depend on the rights associated with the music and how the content is being used.
Protecting one’s work and brand
Artists often rely on social media to attract bookings, grow their audience and establish relationships in the industry. Investigating the potential copyright implications of posting copyrighted content online can help avoid unpredictable interruptions to their efforts.
Before uploading any content that contains copyrighted music, DJs might find reviewing the rights involved helpful in order to understand if any additional permission is required. Taking informed steps can help artists focus more on growing their careers while reducing the disputes that might arise in the future.