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Q: Do I need a license to record and release a song published by MPL?
Q: How do I license a song for synchronization use (Film, TV, Radio, Advertising, Merchandise etc.)?
Q: What is the difference between licensing the Master vs licensing the Copyright and why do I need both?
Q: What is the difference between a Synch License and a Mechanical License?
Q: How do I license a new arrangement or a lyric re-print use?
Q: Where can I get copies of sheet music, arrangements etc. of MPL songs?
Q: Is MPL accepting songs for review?
Q: How do I send a letter to Paul McCartney?
Q: How can I get Paul McCartney's autograph?
Q: How do I contact someone at MPL?
Q: Do I need a license to record and release a song published by MPL?
A: If you are recording an MPL song for inclusion on a CD or Digital Download or any other audio-only format you will need a mechanical license. Please contact our exclusive licensing agent, The Harry Fox Agency, at www.harryfox.com. Releases up to 2,500 units and digital downloads can be licensed on the Harry Fox website.
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Q: How do I license a song for synchronization use (Film, TV, Radio, Advertising, Merchandise etc.)?
A: First, visit our Search and License page and search for the song you are interested in licensing. Select the title and click on "License This Song". For most songs, you will be required to fill out a license request form. Recordings listed in green are pre-cleared and can be licensed directly on our website.
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Q: What is the difference between licensing the Master vs licensing the Copyright and why do I need both?
A: When you think of a song, you're usually thinking of two things: The song itself, consisting of the words and melody; but in your mind you are probably hearing your favorite recording of that song too. The term used for the recording is the "master" or the "master recording." The "song" is referred to as the "copyright" or "intellectual property." Often, you want to license not just the song but also a particular recording of the song. For synchronization licensing of a song and recording, the owner or publisher of the song (or "copyright") must approve the use for commercial purposes. Then the owner of the recording has to decide if they want their master to be used for commercial purposes. The song and the master recording are not always owned by the same person or company, so in such cases both owners must agree.
One of the benefits of licensing music from MPL is our extensive pre-cleared music library, where you can license both the Publishing and Master at once, saving you a lot of time.
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Q: What is the difference between a Synch License and a Mechanical License?
A: A synch license is required when you would like to use a song in synchronization with something else like a film, TV show, or TV advertisement where the music is synchronized with the images. A mechanical license grants the right to sell or distribute copies of a recorded song via retail, download etc., or even when given away for free. If you are recording a new version (or a "cover") of a song, please contact our exclusive licensing agent, The Harry Fox Agency, at www.harryfox.com for a mechanical license. Special permission is not needed for mechanical licensing as long as you are not altering the melody and lyric, and the song has been released to the public at least once before. Mechanical Licenses are sometimes referred to as Compulsory Licenses. The current US statutory royalty rate for a mechanical license is 9.1 cents per song, for each copy distributed.
If you would like to release an existing master recording of a song on a CD or download, in addition to acquiring a mechanical license from The Harry Fox Agency you must contact the master recording owner for permission to release their master. The master licensing fee is negotiable.
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Q: How do I license a new arrangement or a lyric re-print use?
A: For new arrangement or lyric reprints (e.g. in books, magazines, greeting cards etc.), please contact our arrangement and lyric reprint licensing agent, Hal Leonard Publishing at 414.774.3630 or by fax at 414.774.3259, or on-line at http://www.halleonard.com/permissions.
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Q: Where can I get copies of sheet music, arrangements etc. of MPL songs?
A: Please contact our print agent, Hal Leonard Publishing at 414.774.3630 or on-line at http://www.halleonard.com. We also recommend searching www.musicnotes.com.
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Q: Is MPL accepting songs for review?
A: MPL Music Publishing is currently accepting song submissions to be considered for our pre-cleared music library. The best way to submit music is to send a link to your songs to contact@mplcommunications.com. Don't call us. If we like what we hear, we'll be in touch.
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Q: How do I send a letter to Paul McCartney?
A: You can reach Paul McCartney's representatives care of our contact@mplcommunications.com email, or our MPL offices. All correspondence will be forwarded to Sir Paul's personal assistant. Please note that packages will not be accepted.
NYC office: MPL Music Publishing, Inc., 41 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019, Attn: Sir Paul McCartney
UK office: MPL Communications Ltd, 1 Soho Square, London W1D3BQ ENGLAND, Attn: Sir Paul McCartney
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Q: How can I get Paul McCartney's autograph?
A: Unfortunately, autographs are no longer sent out upon request. Also, MPL does not authenticate autographs.
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Q: How do I contact someone at MPL?
A: Please visit our Contact page for information. http://www.mplcommunications.com/contact.asp
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