by Wayde Salmon, WPICC, of D & W Entertainment Group
Did you know that the AVLA has changed it’s name to CONNECT Music Licensing?
I guess the first question is, what was AVLA, and why do I care that it has changed to CONNECT?
Well, good question; let’s start with the AVLA. For the purposes of this message, I’ll be speaking specifically about DJ’s.
The Audio-Video Licensing Agency (AVLA) provided licences to reproduce recorded music. For example, it gives DJ’s the legal right to play reproduced recorded music in Canada commercially, i.e. wedding or public function. The AVLA ensured that the producer of the music, i.e. writer, performer, musician, etc., received compensation for the music they created.
Without an AVLA license, a DJ performing commercially could be considered to be doing so illegally, and could be subject to fines and prosecution. This includes DJ’s using cassettes (yes, they exist) CD’s (sadly, they exist too), and laptops.
In 2014, the AVLA changed its name to CONNECT, commemorating the organization’s 30th anniversary.
Does everyone need a CONNECT license? Short answer, no. The DJ does not need a license if:
- they are using the original LP/cassette/CD that THEY purchased from a store or,
- they are using a LP/cassette/CD that is leased or loaned from the original copyright holder of the music, i.e. a promo CD.
Therefore, anyone who downloads music and burns to a CD or transfers to a desktop/harddrive, i.e. every DJ, should have a CONNECT license.
What does this mean to you as wedding coordinators? Well, protection for your clients, and most importantly, education for you. As well, it shows you and your clients that this person is a professional, and respects the rights and creators of the music that is the backbone of their business. As well, it helps to assure that the music they have is of the highest quality being used for the event, as the license restricts where music an be downloaded from..
If you would like more information on CONNECT, you may contact them here:
Connect Music Licensing
85 Mowat Avenue,
Toronto, Ontario M6K 3E3
Tel: (416) 922-8727 Ext. 127, Fax: (416) 967-9415
Hotline 1-800-668-8820
www.connectmusic.ca
Wayde Salmon, is the co-owner of D & W Entertainment Group with fellow WPICer, Devon John. D&W Entertainment Group is a premier entertainment service, providing Disc Jockeys (DJ), Masters of Ceremony (MC), Singers and other forms of live entertainment to the GTA & the surrounding areas.
I thought this fee was included in the cost of the venue rental?
Some venues build it into their fees, but the responsibility to pay is on the couple. The venue pays it on behalf of the couple.