MP3 sharing?

[noirist]

Is it illegal to share MP3s, for previewing purposes only?

I would like to create my own MP3 rotation site to promote artists whose music I enjoy, by uploading 1 song of theirs (not available as a single!) to introduce their music to people who may not of heard of them.

I would include a disclaimer and all that, but don't want to do anything before I know if it is acceptable or not! >.<

Thanks to anyone who can help.
x-posted to music.

[Buenchico]

Anyone downloading a music file from your site would be committing a civil offence (for which they could be sued but not fined or imprisoned). However, you would be regarded as distributing copyright material, without permission, which is both a civil and a criminal offence (i.e. you could be fined or imprisoned, as well as sued).

Chris

[plowter]

If you've got a website that allows visitors to download copyrighted material then you're at fault for providing that material.

File sharing sites provide lists of files and sharers. File sharing sites work on the basis that they allow Joe Bloggs to say that he has a copied CD for download. Sam Spade then downloads that file from Joe Bloggs, not the file sharing site. If the site and the sharers are in differnet countries it makes things very difficult for lawyers to pursue.

There are a number of existing private file sharing sites - they require someone to provide you with a sign up code. If you sign up to one of those, then you can promote your own band or offer compilations of your favourite artists as torrents.

[noirist]

Thank you Buenchico and plowter for your answers.

I suppose my MP3 rotation is out of the question then. I don't want to get fined!!