For more than three decades we have been operating in the interests of music publishers and composers and are a fully-fledged association charged with the mechanical licensing of the repertoire of all of our members.
What is a mechanical License? When it comes to music, there are several different rights that exist in any musical work or recording but here at NORM we are concerned with mechanical copyright – that is, the copyright that arises when music is transferred from one format to another (from a master tape to a CD for example). The nature of the music usage can be varied – when promotional CDs are pressed, when videos are put onto the correct format for broadcasting, or when music is attached to television programming are just some examples of mechanical copyright. On transference a mechanical copyright is raised and a license – or permission – from the copyright owner must be obtained before any transfer takes place.
NORM Takes the hassle out of getting a mechanical License If, every time any person or organisation required a mechanical license, the only route available was to go directly to the copyright owner, the work involved and time delays would result in something close to chaos! Like similar associations around the world, NORM is a “one-stop shop” where those requiring a mechanical license (or permission from the copyright owner to make reproductions) can make their application. NORM’s function is to act as a negotiating and mechanical licensing body, through a mandate issued by its members. Ultimately we are here to protect the copyright interests of our members. NORM ensures that anyone applying for a mechanical license can do so with ease.
Who are NORMs Websites? NORM’s membership is as diverse as it is comprehensive. The four major publishers in South Africa are members – Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Gallo Music Publishers, EMI Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing . There is also well over 100 independent publishers including the likes of Sheer Publishing, David Gresham Publishing, African Dope Publishing, Essex Music, Mokima Music, De La Music, Copycare Africa, peermusic, Rodeo Songs and many, many more.