Hi John.
The legal end of the music business can be a minefield and more so for the inexperienced.
I'll try and share what I can in regard to some of the processing matters I encountered to this extent with the recording I'm working on at present.
As is with ASCAP in the united States, here in Canada we have the CMRRA (Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency) which represents the vast majority of music publishers and the copyrighted musical works they own and administer.
So because the songs I recorded were written by other artists it is my responsibility to ensure that I receive permission to record them and this is done by applying for a "mechanical license" and paying a fee to the CMRRA. The fees are explained in the guidelines set out and can be found at:
www.cmrra.ca.
One song on the recording was written by my son, Liam so he will register that with SOCAN, the organization which would collect any revenue should his song be used in broadcasts or in public performances. There is no fee to register a song with SOCAN if it's done on line. He could also if he so chooses, have the song copyrighted and registered with the CMRRA. That way he would be paid if the song was recorded by other performers.
It's very important not to go blindly into anything without first seeking out the liabilities as the fines which can be imposed go as high as $1,000,000.
Many years back I met a young copyright lawyer in Toronto named Paul Sanderson who lived in the community close to where I resided and we would chat from time to time.
From what I understand Paul is still in Toronto and working in the entertainment industry and probably a good contact to keep on the books just in case.
Hope this helps,
Cheers, RJ.