After reading Mr. Zawinski’s comments below, my brother pointed out that what is stated is only true if no playlist is submitted to those people. Mr. Zawinski’s problem is that he deals with people spinning tunes live, and he can’t always obtain said playlist. In the meantime, here in Canada, if you want to shoutcast, you need to deal with SOCAN. I asked them what the deal is for broadcasting over the internet, and this is what they replied with (and don’t ask where the Mr. Anderson came from, I gave ’em my real name when I mailed them 🙂

Dear Mr. Anderson,SOCAN  is  not  yet issuing licences for communications of musical works inCanada  over the Internet.  As such, there are no rate cards nor is there aset  form  that  you  are required to fill out. However, when the CopyrightBoard  approves  a  tariff  applicable to your business, SOCAN will requirethat  you pay all applicable fees and taxes retroactive to the commencementdate of your business.To avoid future copyright infringement and any resulting legal proceedings,SOCAN  advises that you send a letter to my attention stating that you (thecompany,  if  incorporated)  agree  to pay any fees and taxes applicable toyour  use,  once  they  are  set.  Also,  since  the  fees approved will beretroactive,  you  should  consider making provisions for a reserve fund of3.2%  of  your  gross  revenues  or,  if the site is noncommercial, 3.2% ofoperating expenses to pay fees and taxes once they become due.I hope this is helpful; if you require any further assistance please do nothesitate to phone me at 1-800-557-6226, or email me.Sincerely,Stephanie ChambersLicensing Representativechambers@socan.caSOCAN41 Valleybrook DriveDon Mills, ON    M3B 2S6

So there’s the skinny for us Canadians. 🙂

Ever wonder what RIAA, ASCAP, BMI, et al did for shout casters and web broadcasters? Well, here’s a little explanation from DNA Lounge owner, Jamie Zawinski :

“In case you’re unclear on how RIAA, ASCAP, BMI, etc. work, it’s like this: everyone who comes anywhere near any kind of music is expected to pay them. They’ll sue you into oblivion if you don’t. Then, regardless of what music you were playing, they take your money, keep most of it for themselves, and then divide the rest statistically based on the Billboard charts. That means that no matter what kind of obscure, underground music you played, 3/4ths of the extortion money you paid goes to whichever company owns N’Sync; and the rest goes to Michael Jackson (since he owns The Beatles’ catalog); and all other artists (including the ones whose music you actually played) get nothing.”

(From DNA Sequencing)