Producing : Using a cover song by Tracee Beebe

Good question. I don't know the answer, but my gut tells me that if you don't have the rights to the original composition then you may have some problems. There is some leeway with cover songs, but I don't know if that extends to use in video/film.

I expect that permission from Carol King or here manager is required before any festival will allow it... even if performed by someone else. Most festivals should have this spelled out in their entry documentation. Contact the manager or label and send them the clip - you might be surprised at a quick yes.

The person who wrote the song OR who owns the publishing to the song will need to release it for festival use, regardless of who sings it (unknown artist). Find out who that is and approach them, let them know why you love the song, why you want to use it and for what period of time, and that it's for festival use ONLY (and don't use it for anything else) and see what they say. It never hurts to ask.

Actually, you go through Harry Fox Agency to get the mechanical rights to any song that has ever been registered out there. That way, the folks who wrote the song get the royalties, not just the folks who performed it.

Thanks Ruby! That was very helpful and it looks like it will be much more affordable than I thought!

You bet, glad to help :-)