Rock Band Network - Public Domain songs?

[BStu78]

I wouldn't get my hopes up on Public Domain songs. The Public Domain is sadly not as clear-cut as one might thing and plenty of songs that seem public domain aren't, as MANY artists have learned in the past. And there is the well-known example of "Happy Birthday" which is NOT in the public domain though certainly seeming like it must be. I would imagine it being likely that whatever requirements HMX puts in place to prohibit cover songs would really extend to any song where publishing rights don't emanate from the artists, including "traditional" songs. This is really a better safe than sorry issue and with the difficulty in verifying that a song is public domain and the additional issue of copyrights on arrangements of songs in the public domain, HMX would be reasonable if they wanted to steer clear.

[princeofcups]

So if no covers are allowed then why exactly do we have "Smooth Criminal" by Alien Ant Farm?
Does this only apply to RBN and not DLC in general?

Because any legal issues about covering the song have already been worked out by Alien Ant Farm's label's lawyers. It is probably impossible to get any cover past the HMX review unless you have your own lawyers, in which case you are probably working on a DLC deal, and not an RBN one.

[davidshek]

I know you like getting into arguments with people about the rbn, and I agree with you on the sub pop issue. However, I stated an opinion of "pretty likely" not "definitely." Of course there's a chance HMX won't allow public domain songs. But there are no licensing issues that are complicating the matter like a cover of a copyrighted song.

Relax.

Lol, I like getting into arguments? No I don't, I just don't like people getting all hyped over something that may not happen.

[SHPhr34k]

Harmonix will not be allowing Public Domain songs to be submitted, at least not yet. Email response from Jeff:

"Sean - We realize that public domain represents an interesting debate with regards to covers, we recently had a discussion about that very subject. It has been decided, at least for now and until we have more clarity from legal, that NO COVERS will be allowed into the pipeline. I would advise that you not spend time or man hours on this type of request until we work this out.

This is also not a priority on legal's agenda, so please don't expect a resolution any time soon

thx
JM"

So again, it's simply for now. That does put a nice kibosh to Neo-Classical Metal...