I want to produce some video podcasts. I am trained in video, it’s my medium of choice and it makes sense therefore that I use the opportunities that a video podcast and iTunes may give me.

But one problem I have, is that I like to use music as an “environmental background” to my videos. All well and good, music can be a great way of adding mood to something. But as much as I have tried, I don’t actually have a musical bone in my body. I can rudimentarily find my way around a piano keyboard, but actually compose? Not a chance!

So that would leave such things as Acid Music from Sony or Smartsound. But again I don’t have the inclination or ear to worry about mucking around with music editing; usually I can pick a track I need to match a video dead easy from existing compositions and especially my favourite artists.

For example, a video I shot years ago in Port Stephens of dolphins following our boat and playing in the bow wave at sunset was perfectly matched to a particular Yes acoustic track. Some motor racing footage I have is brilliantly compatible with an Alan Parsons one.

So two weeks ago, I contacted that arbiter of all things music in Australia, APRA, to see what sort of fee I would need to pay to stay legal. I don’t want to use an entire track, just excerpts. And I certainly don’t want to deprive my favourite artists of their due right.

The response to date despite email follow ups?

Nil.

But I bet if I said “sod it, I’ll just do it anyway” and did, the music police would be on to me within 37 seconds maximum.
So are they simply out to prosecute, or there to get fairness for their clients, the musicians? I remember going back about 30 years, the Musician’s Union (now part of the MEAA) had the same bite when you needed them to help. That is, none.
I wonder if I’ll get a response to this from them? Not betting on it.