What Is Karaoke Piracy?

Back door & windows locked, security bars in place, Lights out and the cash is in the safe. A very simple procedure to ensure we have done what we can to protect the premises and business that affords us a means to provide for our families.

Club owners and many other Venue Operators routinely follow a similar check list meant to protect their livelihood. But what about the entertainers, who protects the venue owners from the business practices of the Karaoke Jockeys?

During business hours, a “Bouncer” may be employed to monitor customer behavior, in an effort to maintain a safe environment for all, and protect against damage to the furnishings. The expenses incurred are all part of doing business and the expense doesn’t end there. Paying customers wish to be entertained and the location and the Owner or Manager is expected to provide it.

 ‘Karaoke’ is one of the fastest growing entertainment pass-times in the market. Whether you think yourself a reincarnation of Elvis Presley or Patsy Cline or you are merely a spectator content to watch and listen, an evening of karaoke can be a very entertaining and sometimes humorous occasion. Unfortunately, it may also be very Unlawful.

Major recording studios throughout North America have spent Millions to acquire the rights to produce copyright material eliminating the lead vocalist and providing backing tracks for Karaoke Singers. The price paid for the music in whatever form, is shared by the Manufacturer with some part going to the Artists, Musicians and Composers of the Original material. This is how it should work in a healthy environment.

With a demand for Karaoke growing as fast as it has, Karaoke Disc Jockeys began to spring up all over the Country. Some very talented former Disc Jockeys and some unscrupulous individuals who were nothing more than opportunists, Unlicensed and with no affiliation to any organization rushed to fill the gaps and benefit from the demand.

The Majority never collected tax with their payments because they never reported their earnings. Found money, straight from the venue and into their pockets. Not satisfied with the untaxed income they had, these same operators soon found ways to copy music illegally and avoid paying for the music they use to perform Karaoke. This theft of copyrighted material has reached a point where Manufacturers are now hard pressed to recover production costs of new material and are being forced into retirement rather than going into bankruptcy.

The Law abiding Venue Operators who employ these individuals are actually the unwitting enablers. If they would check the credentials of the persons they hire and assure they are properly licensed and/or registered operators, then if they would check to see that the material they were using was properly obtained, many of these operators would be out of business and the Karaoke Industry may well experience a rebirth.

It is time for the Business owners and managers to add a few items to their check list before they become subject of another list. The Manufacturers now have a check list of their own. They are watching and making note of operators who are guilty of copyright infringement and piracy. They are now moving with Lawful authority to track the thieves and pirates and bring them before the Courts in an effort to recoup their losses.

Unfortunately many unwitting Owners and Managers are finding they too are being drawn into expensive lawsuits for having employed the offenders. Establishments have had sound systems confiscated; they have had their doors locked and their licenses to operate suspended or rescinded. Is it fair, should venue owners pay for the sins of unlawful operators? Perhaps not but, the Law answers; were not for enablers, operators would not be in a position to break the law.

Is it time for Owners and Managers to add a few simple items to their check list to protect themselves and bring an end to the practice of Piracy? We believe the time has come and we have confidence that once Venue Owners and Managers are made aware of the situation, they will do their part to bring it to an end.