Submitted by High_Lifer t3_z3d52o in Music
Long story short, I made a metalcore song about my dad and I had a voicemail saved on my phone for over 2 years about how him and his gf talk about me when I’m not around. It’s kinda disturbing how he and she talks about me when I’m not there and I have deep resentment for it and want to release the voicemail in the song but I’m afraid it might have repercussions. Thanks.
Edit: I do not have a big following at all on social media
https://law.stackexchange.com/questions/82176/is-a-voicemail-i-used-copyright
Err, on accident? Hmmmm. Probably consult a lawyer
Recording without their consent and publishing it may be illegal in your state, so be careful.
Well it’s not defaming them or anything I guess. It’s literally an argument between my dad and his gf about me..
I live in Georgia
It was a voicemail to me if that’s what you’re asking?
One could argue that by leaving the voicemail consent is implied. The recipient now owns the recording and can use it for any purpose they like.
[deleted]
No it wasn’t a butt dial. My dad just forgot to hit the end call button. You have no idea how badly I want to publish this
Just get two people to reenact it, record that. Bing bang boom
Good fucking idea thank you!
So it isn't a voice mail for you. It's an accidentally recorded conversation that you shouldn't be a witness. I get you but you don't have a right to do so.
Go with with acting suggested in some other posts.
Well, there are one sided consent states. Meaning that as long as you consent to it then it doesn't matter. However this is specifically for video recordings and that's for safety more often than not. Technically recording audio can be under the same premise or guise as safety.
Obviously not a lawyer, but that's how it usually goes. Re-enactments can work, but remember no matter what it doesn't matter whether it's true or fake because they can try and sue you regardless (hi slim) because of "defamation".
It kinda is all in the technicalities though of the recording itself. "Accident" phone call, which even though is an accident is still liability. Just because you accidentally shoot someone doesn't mean your dismissed from the charges.
I'm just a shitty drummer who cant sleep and know nothing about the laws regarding this situation. But the legal advise I'd give is, if your song/video blows up and makes money, then he finds out, he might try to get some of that money. If his own words are defamatory toward himself, are You defaming? Sounds like it could be some good art. Good luck
Fair, but implied doesn't mean outright given, and privacy laws can vary from state to state and definitely do from country to country. In any case if OP is really concerned best contact a lawyer or at least someone studying law from their own state.
Best contact someone with a law background in Georgia about it, even if it's just a friend studying law in your state or a small firm. Consent might not be an issue but publishing it might be, etc. Good luck
Might take a few tries to get one you're happy with, but try Fiverr for VO artists.
I would say that his dad is the one party that was actually aware of the recording since he initiated it; ignorance or negligence to disconnect the call doesn’t change that.
All in all, would it really be worth his time and money to sue? Does he have the means to begin with?
It’s not like you baited him in anyway to say these things. His comments were unsolicited.
The message was left on your equipment, so I would say the recording belongs to you.
Legal arguments aside, I would say this: If you are interested in working on your relationship with your dad it might not be a good idea to incorporate the voice mail into the song. He would likely resent you using that voicemail and that would make it more difficult for the two of you to work on any issues in your relationship.
You can use it if you edit it a lot. Speed up the tempo of the voice make words fast or slow depending on the words or tones. Make it go from fast to slow in timed intervals or reverse it. Add samples, put random sounds in. Add a drum machine and do low volume loops and keeping turning up the drum loop until you blister into your song. The point is to make a different recording then the original. Once you alter it you should be good.
I haven’t released it yet. I’m having second thoughts now looking at all the comments..
Yo if you don’t know much about law just don’t comment? Why tf this guys just saying random shit? Lol
Not a lawyer then do. A google search or don’t answer, everyone so excited to answer without the prequalified knowledge ig.
Sounds like a pretty big grey area to me, if you're comfortable doing the VO recreation I'd do that personally. While I'd bet you're fine, I wouldn't bet on it with 100% confidence, I can only imagine that he's a PoS it sounds like and at least this is enough of a grey area that you'll be worried about this possibility of ramifications for a long time.
Can you tag me when the song is released that sounds dope
[deleted]
That's very nice of you. Especially that at the time of my comment noone even need which country OP is from so couldn't talk about specific laws. Keep calm and carry on.
Arunia t1_ixl6f4e wrote
If it is negatively, I would not use it. But that would be me. I have no idea if it is legal or not.