Actually Copy right law in Canada and the US permit "fair use of a copy right" courts have confirmed that it is legal to backup your music create mixes... it becomes illegal when you sell the rips, or even give them away. They must be for your use.

forgot to spell check

Well damn, looks like I should be in BIG trouble.


I DJ and have made sooooo many mixed tapes/cds and gave them out. They are not aired or sold although I know I can get money for them.

The most I ask is for a blank cd becuase it becomes expensive and I can't keep up.

But what type of mixing are we talkin here? There are two different kinds of mixing. Everyone here is talkin about a bunch of songs thrown on a tape/cd. I'm talkin about blending music together whether it be hip hop, trance, tribal, drum n bass or r&B.

I can lean both ways but in my case you are never really getting the full song because it's mixed (DJ wise) and can be cut-off at different spots.

Now if you are distributing whole albums or different songs from various albums freely that's a different case. I don't think anything is wrong with personal use or mixing (DJ wise) a cd/tape and giving a few out.

I am DJ'ing also and did compilations (Best Of's) from my own bought CD's, because 1. I won't take 1.000+ CDs with me and 2. don't want the originals to be damaged in the club. I never felt that this was illegal and will never feel it. To me it is more and more a modern cyber witch-hunt the record labels and their associations do now.

You know probably 70% or more of the world would get busted for this if they pushed it. If you look at it, that's alot of income for the economy. But alot of people would be defiantly be poorer.

So, what's the right way?

I hear what you're saying Jafo. But really, I'm at the bottom of the line when it comes to that.

In fact, there are labels who are for it. We're talking about selling it too. It's said they could boost sales, giving buzz on the streets. If I make a mixed tape/cd, it could promote tracks where if you liked it you would buy the album.

I get most music on vinyl before it comes out on cd. But I hear you that from a legal point of view, none of the tracks are licensed and we are the only ones making money off of it (if sold). It has had a positive impact on record sales though.

How many can go to a local store (not Tower Records, etc.) and buy a mix tape? Everyone can. Not every store, but most stores I go to buy records sell mix tapes. Both kinds. Just somebody who mixes them (usually another DJ), makes a cover and song list and sells them for $10-$15 a piece. They sell great too. I know lots of people who bought them and wound up buying multiple albums because they were feelin certain tracks.


When you go buy records or whatever c242, you know what I'm talkin about.


These places heard me before, knew I could sell my skills and offered me the chance.

It would be nice but I declined. It's not hard at all to find ripped whole and mixed albums either as I'm sure most here know.


Like Weaksid said, about 90% (probably more) of DJs would get busted for this. I mean, anyone here who knows a DJ would say, "hey, make me a tape".

Oh I know what you were refering to Weaksid. I was talkin about being busted.


To add what I was saying, there is a difference if the DJ's mixtape only contains mainstream Platinum-selling tracks. That is not benefiting the industry.


But what about stuff that's not so mainstream or Underground? A DJ spins it and puts it out there and those who might be feelin it will pick it up and increase sales.


Just sayin how I can go both ways.

Static...in Australia, if you play music as a 'atmosphere' in your shop, it is determined a 'public' broadcast and royalties are required.
It is deemed not the same as playing it in your own home and others coincidentally hear it.

What a DJ is doing, by 'mixing' or creating compilations is quite possibly a serious issue.
What if some 'bible-totin' religious band's music managed to be on the same compilation as a death-metal satanic style?
Yes, I know....quite fanciful, but a serious transgression of morals and ideology of both groups.
Not only would/could you be sued for breach of copyright, but also defamation or diminution of reputation and potential future lost earnings.

Giving away, and/or selling a compilation is a clear breach of copyright, not covered by 'fair-use'.
Creating them for private playing can be 'fair-use'....

ahhh... this is where it gets sort of messy. I have read on this issue and it would seem that being a DJ is essentially illegal. I am not sure but I wonder if clubs pay royalties to the music industry for playing music?

In a sense, I know that DJ'ing helps all artists in many ways. Mostly because their music is getting played at parties, clubs and house parties as well as ceremonies.

I know a few DJ's and of course some popular ones who (because of their fame) pay royalties even though they are mixes.



SOooooooooooo, basically one of the things that make music such a power house is essentially illegal.


fascinating....