Im going to be entering an amature video contest and I want to know about copyright laws on music. Is it okay if i use music as long as I cite it in credits? Or do i need to purchase something in order to use it? Im lost... Please help

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Check with the originators of the video contest. Ones that are legit will be able to advise you on whether or not your selection can be used. Most songs written and/or played on radio stations, dance clubs, and the like are governed under two main 'entities': BMI and ASCAP. These are acronyms for two groups in the United States that oversee the payment of royalties for prerecorded music. I'm going to guess the song you wish to use will fall under one of the two 'entities'. Each radio station, dance club, et al, pays an annual fee to those organizations to play prerecorded music. In short, check with the organizers of the contest, and ask them about the song you intend to use. If this video you are intending to enter is broadcast in any way to the public, you will most likely be required to have permission to use the song. Cover your bases, even if it seems nit-picky. You don't need a legal mess on your hands. Be prepared with some alternate selections if you don't receive permission to use the song you'd like to. Sadly, it's this nit-picky due to some people out there who like to steal other artists work (i'm not talking about downlaoding mp3's here), and call it their own. Abide by the rules of the contest, and, do yourself a favor: read ANY and ALL fine print of anything you're about to sign in relation to this contest. I've included a link that may answer your question in more detail (and better detail than mine ^.^). Scroll down to about the middle of the page, and look for the heading "Can I Use Someone Else's Work/Can They Use Mine?". Also, it may not hurt to read the other headings under this subject. Better yet, e-mail your specific question to them, and perhaps they will be able to tell you whether you can use this or not. Good luck in the contest ^.^

As long as i know, this matter is a discussion by the user (that's mean you) and the music owner, you need to ask their wried permision, about it'll be for free or you got to pay a royalty fee, it's up to the negotiation. Hope this help Bless You