enhance and protect our musical careers.
One of the first issues that confronts musicians who are writing songs is how to protect their rights to their original works. It may be surprising to learn that registering your songs with the United States Copyright Office is not required for an author to protect your original works of authorship. Actually, your song is protected as your property from the instant it is fixed in a "tangible form of expression." Songs may be fixed in the form of sheet music or in a recording.
Under the Copyright Act of 1976, your work is protected from the moment of its initial fixing in a tangible form throughout the length of your life plus 70 years following your death. (Sorry to bring that up but your surviving spouse and kids will appreciate their continuing rights to your royalties.) Although not required, registration of your music with the United States Copyright Office is very important to do in order to protect some important rights that you, as the author, have acquired.
First, your registration with the Copyright Office creates a public record and, if done within 5 years of publication, is very strong proof in the event someone tries to steal your songs or use them without your permission. Also, if you have registered and someone infringes on your rights they will have to pay your attorneys fees if you win your case. Often you can also get additional damages provided by law, in addition to your fees and other actual damages. With this kind of protection, it is much less likely that a record company or fellow musician will try to rip off your music or use it without your permission or compensation. We all know how hard it is to get paid in this business and if it is your song and someone wants to use it, it is only fair that you should be compensated.
The good news is that it is actually quite easy to register your copyright. All you have to do is fill out a form, pay an application fee and submit your CD, tape or sheet music to The Library of Congress Copyright Office. The current application fee is only $30 at press
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Goldenseal, fronted by our new columnist Joe Hughes, will hold its CD release party on March 20 at the Saint in Asbury Park.
This is the band’s first full- length effort since forming in 1999.  The album, Goldenseal 1, has already received favor- able reviews from the likes of Al Muzer of the Aquarian, who described it as a “potential smash”.
The album is filled with catchy, guitar-driven songs that will get you bobbing your head and tapping your feet almost against your will, thanks to drummer Pat Martucci.  Hughes’ strong, deep voice complements perfectly songs like “The Grind,” where he sounds almost sinister. Chris Barry, also of the Aquarian, described Hughes’ voice best as “lyrical macho”.

Goldenseal bassist Mike Tucker

full, polished sound.  Cioppa also often contributes lead and backing vocals.
The Saint will also feature the bands The Holy Goats, Eystone, Full Circle and the Mentionables on March 20.  Eystone is also celebrating their CD release.
Doors open at 8 p.m. and cover is $8.
For more information, check out Goldenseal’s Web site at     www.goldensealtheband.com.