Here goes – though I suggest that you read some older topics for more info.
1. PPL and PRS are designed to make sure that artists get paid for you playing their tracks live. It is (in the UK) solely the responsibility of the Venue Owner (or if it is outside/in a temporary location then the organizer can get a temporary license). It is not the DJ’s responsibility unless the DJ is also the Venue Owner.
ProDUB is a license for converting any tracks you have as a CD (or vinyl) originally into a digital format stored on your computer. You buy this once for each track you own (IE you only pay once for each track you convert). The solution to not having to play this is to only play downloaded music – though this isn’t practical for some people.
2. If an artist/label offers a track as a free download, you are allowed to play it. Do make sure that it is coming from the artist though – other free downloads can be horrible quality and illegal if not from the artist.
3. Same as above. It is true.
4. Ask the producer in question. If he has given it to you though, chances are he would still let you play it for free.
5. Some authorities check which tracks you are playing (I know someone who had someone from the PRS sit at the back of his venue and spotify every song he played for his entire set not very long ago..). The only real way they can check if tracks are legal is to ask you to show them the receipt from the music store you bought it from.. Unless they suspected you of only playing illegal tracks (Note that Free does not equal illegal) they might check you out… Most of us are too small-time for it to be worth it for them though.
Hope that makes more sense 🙂
bob6397
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