[Fmpro] ASCAP

[robertf-lists@theremin-saw.com]

Quoting Tim R <tjr201 at earthlink.net>:

> Thanks for the info Les... I am wondering if I should be listed as a
> performer, having performed but not written the music in this case.


I may be in the dark about something; at least confused :)  What does 
ASCAP have
to do with performers?  I would think "almost nothing", but I may be wrong.
However, I DO know that ASCAP does list some performers of some of their
properties in their searchable database.  But I only thought this was for
cross-reference purposes; i.e. to help in searching.  For instance, if you see
that a particular song was performed by Singer X, you can click on "Singer X",
and it will take you to a list of other songs performed by that person.  So in
a way, I guess it "advertises" some of that performer's other performances,
plus it serves to make sure that you've researched the correct song.  For
instance, there are several songs with the same name; by seeing who performed
it, that can help you decide you have the right one.  Or if you know 
the singer
but can't think of the name of the song, you could search for everything shown
by that singer.  Is there any other relationship between ASCAP and performer
that I'm overlooking?  And who decides what performers are listed in that
searchable ASCAP database?   Does the publisher amend the performer list
everytime there is a new licensed recording of their property?  Obviously not,
otherwise there would be 100's or thousands listed under something like "Over
the Rainbow".

Regards,

Robert Froehner