This is incorrect. People are allowed in most cases to download/copy a song for private personal use, but NOT allowed to use that song for public use (whether or not money is involved) without getting permission from the owner of the copyright. This is why various political candidates so frequently get "cease & desist" orders when they use certain songs at campaign rallies without permission. It's usually an issue of artists wanting to control who uses the song & not wanting to be affiliated with a person/cause that they don't support.
It often is not an issue of payment; artists often will allow use without charge if they support the person/cause. Or if they think it will be good publicity for an upcoming concert or CD. But in some cases. it IS an issue of money. Really, if your business is selling cupcakes, would you want people to be able to just walk off with a couple without paying?
Yes, at local competitions skaters often will use copyrighted music without permission. It's unlikely that a copyright owner would bother them about low-visibility use, but there would be limits as to online posting of a video that includes the music.
, thanks a lot for posting this.
