Using music artist songs?

Have you tried www.jamendo.com? Check out the "tags" section. They have a whole plethora of music that might fit you're needs. Honestly, it's never worth it to mess around with record labels and their copywrite laws. There are always fine lines & it usually depends on whose got the royalties and if they're willing to sue.

What you're referring to requires both sync and performance licenses from both the publisher and the owner of the recording, and unless the labels contact you with the go-ahead, your best option will be royalty-free music. Keep in mind that the individuals reviewing your portfolio will likely be aware of and have respect for the intellectual property rights laws involved. Fortunately, there are quite a few good royalty-free options out there (although it certainly could take some digging).

For more info on options for licensing music, this article may be helpful:

http://luminousmuse.wordpress.com/2010/05/10/what-...

and even more at

http://www.manchestermusiclibrary.com/whats-new.ph...