Very simple question #1:  Can I use copyrighted music on my demo reel? (In house reviewing for

                                      perspective employer)

Very simpler question #2:  Can I use copyrighted music on my demo if I am going to put my

                                       Demo on the web?

This is always a tricky topic, as it can be argued both ways. You could argue Fair Use and use it, but that doesn't protect you from being sued (it'd only be a defense that isn't always accepted in court). Using it only for in-house reviewing is generally safer than putting it on the web, but the only absolute safe way to go about it is to either aquire the rights to the song you want to use (send them an email or something), or use a song you know you have the rights to, like from a friend's band (they're usually pretty open to any means of distributing their music), or from a loop program (not always the best).

Hope this helps!

-Matt

The answer is almost always no.

It would be very difficult to argue 'Fair Use' on something like that. It's also not incidental.

Also more and more the copyright rules on music, especially in anything web-based or online, is becoming more restrictive.

In reality yeah, you'll probably get away with it most of the time, it attracts very little attention, but legally you're probably in the wrong. Better to be safe than sorry. There is heaps of Creative Commons licensed music online, and plenty of independant bands as well. I'm sure that many people would be happy to let you use their music in exhcange for a little credit or something.

Thanks Syco,

      I have some uncopyrgihted stuff and stuff that own ther ights to.  Do you know the websites off hand that have creative commons licensed work?   Or anywhere I can go to get music I can use and abuse?

This is a good starting point: http://creativecommons.org/audio/

Just check the license terms. For a demo reel CC-BY should be no problem, CC-NC might require clarification with the artist. CC-SA could create problems especially where your demo reel contains commerical work you've done.

Not sure want type of sound you want but Digital Juice(com) has some royality free music you can purchase and use at your will.