Can I legally put goth music samples/cover scans on my web page?
Generally, no. Under English law, any work of art is copyright provided the author is identifiable and has not stated that the work is not copyright. For instance, a band does not have to say “Copyright 1996 Goth On A Rollercoaster” in order for their songs to be copyright. It is enough that they put their name on the CD. Sometimes artists will specifically state that their work may be reproduced. Often there will be restrictions added into such statements, so make sure you’re fulfilling the artists’ requests. It is illegal to reproduce any copyright work in any form. This includes sampling and scanning, even for back-up purposes. You can get a big fine and could even go to prison for breaching copyright. MIDI files, unless they are produced with the permission of the original work’s owners, breach copyright by their very existence. Two ways to legally reproduce copyright material are: Firstly- this is the easiest and best option- you could get permission from the copyright owner. Writ
