Q: I'm a musician. I am wanting to start up a Janis Joplin tribute band. Do I have to request permission ?
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A:
Starting a Joplin tribute band is an exciting venture that can honor her incredible musical legacy. You don't need explicit permission to perform her songs live, as long as the venue has the proper performance licensing (typically through ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC).
If you plan to record and release covers of her songs, you'll need to obtain mechanical licenses, which are relatively straightforward to acquire through organizations like the Harry Fox Agency or via online platforms. This ensures the original songwriters and publishers receive their due royalties.
However, be mindful about how you market your tribute band. While you can mention Janis Joplin's name when describing your band (like "Pearl: The Music of Janis Joplin"), avoid implying any official endorsement or connection to her estate. You might want to check your band name choice with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database to ensure it doesn't conflict with existing trademarks.
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