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© 2012 Jonathan Minkoff

This article discusses the best practices for providing credits on a cappella recordings. 

If you only take away only one lesson, make it this: credit all composers and do not confuse composers with "original" artists. As of the writing of this article, this is the most common and egregious error in a cappella liner notes.

Additionally, this article will include many customs unique to the a cappella community while also debunking legally dubious or nonsensical omissions that have grown more commonplace, particularly in collegiate and high school a cappella.  

The complete article is extensive, so to assist those seeking quick answers, we begin with two lists: 

  1. minimal credits; and 
  2. best credits. 

The two lists obviously overlap since "best" includes "least." These reference lists do leave many issues unaddressed, and so they are followed by a section focused on underlying principles, debated issues and in-depth discussion. Read on for everything you ever wanted to know about credits!


 
 
By Jonathan Minkoff

Singing may be free, but studio time, touring, attending the big aca-events like SingStrong -and of course, throwing the ultimate after-parties all require cash in hand. You need the green, so here are 27 ways to make it rain:


 
 
Most a cappella groups perform cover songs written by other artists. The Copyright Act gives you the right to record these “cover” songs by means of a compulsory license. Compulsory means you don’t need anyone’s permission. All you need to do is
 
 
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by Jonathan Minkoff ©2009

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The constitution of the United States gives 

 
 
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Your Performance Begins the Instant You Step Out on Stage.
The Rules of nearly all a cappella competitions state that 
 
 
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Everyone has heard the warnings not to illegally copy music, but many do. After all, what’s the harm?

Some believe that it’s a victimless crime. Some believe that only businesses get sued, not users. Some believe that computers make them too anonymous to sue. 

That turns out to be wrong on all counts, as a defeated 20-something recently found out to the tune of over half a million dollars in damages and tens of thousands more in legal fees.