Any legal ramifications to this?

[Steve]

So, my band has received a couple of requests from internet radio stations to put a couple of songs from our myspace on their play list.

These are just covers of old blues tunes but, they're not public domain and we sure don't have permission.

I see no value to doing it other than the guy who is doing the myspace promotion is seeing some results from his effort and kinda jazzed about it. I'd hate to kill his personal buzz.

What's the worst that could happen? A C&D letter from an attorney?

[Moe Monsarrat]

Although legally you (or the station) may have to pay royalties to ASCAP or BMI, I doubt if anyone is seriously monitoring all internet radio stations at this time. The legal ramifications of playing music on the radio are in debate by the courts right now. I wouldn't worry too much until they resolve it, which could take a long time. If they make all stations pay, it will change everything. I predict there will be very few music based radio stations. More talk radio.

[RustyAxe]

Yes. YOU need rights to record the song for distribution. The station needs rights to air it. Technically, your Myspace page isn't in compliance with the law unless you have the rights to distribute them electronically (which are different than the two mentioned previously!). Check out http://www.harryfox.com

Probably nothing would happen, though, unless you started to make some money from them. It could be pressed, though, and you could be liable for fines in addition to remuneration.