Should I upload my own music to soundcloud or get it copyrighted officially first?

[dscross]

I've recorded a few songs I've written myself. I would like to share them, but I don't know if I should get a proper written copyright just in case, or just upload them to Soundcloud and work under the assumption that the timestamp is ok.

I mean, realistically, I don't think people are likely to copy and make money from an amateur musicians songs, but you can never be too careful right? But I want people to hear my stuff, so... what would you all do?

I'm from the UK btw. I think some people just post it to themselves in the UK don't they?

 

[Fiz_The_Toaster]

You should be okay with uploading your stuff to Soundcloud without needing to go through getting your stuff copyrighted. Plus I believe it's kinda pricey to get material copyrighted and you would have to really commit to going down that route.

I know there are musicians that upload copyright free music there for people to use as they wish. You can always just make a comment on your account that they have to ask permission first before using your stuff.

That's what I would do, anyways.

I know I'm gathering my own materials together to upload onto my own account there at some point in time.

 

[Kyrian007]

Its not a bad idea. Some people are pretty good about making sure an amateur musician gets credit for their work, especially if it means they can use the work for something they are putting together. I wouldn't go in expecting royalty checks or anything, but it can get you some exposure if something that uses your work gets popular. I've done some producer/engineer work on several radio talk shows and a few podcasts. Guys like me are always looking for good bump or intro/outro music. The company I work for gets me access to anything on an EMI label plus our own licensed music libraries, but if I'm doing any moonlighting for an independent project I generally look for something online and contact the creator in hopes of setting up a use for credited work kind of deal. It has worked for me in the past.

 

[Drathnoxis]

Just type "Original music, DO NOT STEAL!" in the description.

 

[TheMysteriousGX]

Copyright is automatic. That music is yours as soon as you make it, far as a DMCA claim is concerned.

But yeah, mailing it to yourself or getting some other form of proof makes potential lawsuits easier to win, because legal and fair are two separate things.

 

[Zykon TheLich_v1legacy]

Is it written on a music programme? If you have all the original files, samples, sequencer setup etc it should be fairly easy to prove it's yours.

 

[dscross]

Is it written on a music programme? If you have all the original files, samples, sequencer setup etc it should be fairly easy to prove it's yours.

Yeah it's done with just my voice and my guitar on garageband.

 

[Vanilla ISIS]

Before you worry about people stealing your stuff, just upload it and post it on forums, Facebook groups etc. and see whether anyone actually enjoys it.
Get exposure first, you won't be making any money for the first year or 2 anyway (maybe even longer than that, maybe you'll never get paid at all).