Lyrics site

is it legal?

[Zygoot]

I'm maybe going to make a lyrics site, with song texts from punk/metal/rock bands.

But I have a concern about this, is it legal?
I know that there are a LOT of sites on the internet with lyrics, but I'm still doubting about it.

Any help is appreciated.

[rogerd]

Zygoot, this sounds like a copyright violation to me. I suppose you could request permission to reprint lyrics, but I have no idea whether the copyright holders would grant this.

One reason that unauthorized(?) lyric publishing may be rampant is that it doesn't represent much of a financial threat (in the same way that MP3s do, for example). Seeing the lyrics won't diminish sales of CDs or paid music downloads, and, to the extent that sheet music is still sold, it probably won't hurt that market, either.

[bruhaha]

There is indeed a copyright issue here. You can seek permissions, but expect some snags --unless you are willing to pay (and it can be expensive)--especially with larger publishing companies. You may have a bit better chance with small labels, if they see it as a way to increase visibilty and encourage sales. If you set up links from lyrics to where the music (recordings, sheet music) can be purchased, that might help your chances.