OT: Pay royalties for own music on own website?

["Buzap Buzap" <buzap@gmx.net>]

Hi folks

I just had a discussion with a friend of mine. He is registered with the 
German GEMA (like ASCAP/BMI in Germany) and said that he is not allowed to 
present his own music on his own web site without paying royalties!!

I found this idea quite bizarre and checked a few web pages. Quite 
confusing: some say, you are allowed to stream but no download - then 
again, this rule just goes to 31.Dec07. Others suggest that in a band, one 
person should be outside of Gema etc.

So, I'm confused. Do you have the same regulation in US? Do you really 
have to pay royalties for your own music on your own web page (pathetic!)? 
In Germany/Europe? What about music not registered with GEMA/ASCAP? What 
about lyrics/song transcriptions?

Looking forward to your hints :)

Buzap


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