I think it's okay to mention the title of a song in your writing. I know that you can't put someone's lyrics in your writing without copyright permission. I'm not to sure about a band name though. It would probably be fairly easy to look up.
Nick Hornby did so constantly in "High Fidelity". As long as you don't quote lyrics without permission, you're okay.
Unless you're using all the lyrics, you should be fine. I've seen tons of books, both by indie self-publishers and authors from big houses use song titles and mention bands.
I have a scene where a murder has been committed by throwing someone off the balcony. The killers put on a CD from Steve Miller - I want to fly like an eagle, before they leave the penthouse. I haven't a shred of doubt that this possible could be copyright infringement. (Dark humor - I know....)
it's done all the time and is perfectly legal... what isn't ok, is to use any lyrics from the song without permission of the copyright owner... anyone wanting to be a writer should study up on the basics of copyright rules 'n regs: www.copyright.gov
Okay, last week I asked exactly the same thing... This was your reply to me... Now, not only are you aware of two existing threads (as you posted in mine and posted the link to the other in your reply) you stated that you "have matured in writing" and "think it's stupid" Normally, I would not reply but to have my motive behind my question considered 'immature' and 'stupid' I just had to point it out as you asked exactly the same thing for your story. Quotes are taken from this thread: https://www.writingforums.org/showthread.php?t=42195
Lu, why are you bringing this up? And I don't quite understand what you are trying to argue about. I do not want to start anything, but I have to point out this: Me Join Date 05-05-2011 You Join Date 05-26-2011 I posted my opinion. That's what forums are for. And to back my self up, honestly, I don't even know why I posted those words. I was probably looking at another thread or something. I don't know. Anyway, carry on.
Don't want to get in the middle of your little tiff here, Lulu, but I think if you go back to that thread you'll see the one she originally linked to is this one. (Page one start date is 5-6-2011) She hasn't started yet another one. Her comments on the other one, well, I don't really know what she was talking about.
I agree, Be very, very careful. You can not just quote music like you can with writing. Music laws are very different from writing laws. Do your research before you put lyrics in your writing. Some artist do not mind but most will. Here is some fun reading... http://www.mywritingblog.com/2010/05/quoting-song-lyrics-in-your-fiction.html Just don't do it with out express permission.
Trish, thank you for pointing this out. Gothic vampire queen, it's my mistake in not double checking the linked thread upon posting this reply. I apologise, I didn't realise you were the author nor that your reply was posted after. I hope you accept my apology? good night and God bless.
*smiles warmly* You are forgiven. I hope you don't mind that I got a little tiny bit defendsive lol I don't know, it's in my nature. But then again, my Goddess sign is Athena, so that explains a whole lot lol Merry meet.
You can mention a band and a song in your book. Just don't say anything about them that the band or their lawyers might find offensive. Have a character listen to the band: fine. Say that the band are all pedophiles: lose a lawsuit. Have a character say that the band are all pedophiles: grey area but you'd go bankrupt fighting the case. Unless it's a matter of record that the band are all pedophiles, of course.
