Cover songs give artists the chance to pay homage to their favorite tracks while adding their personal touch. However, understanding the licensing requirements for cover songs is crucial before you start covering other artists. In this blog, we will help you navigate the essentials of cover song licensing, ensuring you remain compliant and can confidently release your renditions.
What is a Cover Song?
A cover song is a new performance or recording of a previously released song by an artist other than the original performer or songwriter. It involves interpreting the song while preserving its original composition, including melody and lyrics.
To be considered a cover, the track must remain faithful to the original composition. This means:
- You cannot mash up two or more songs.
- You cannot change lyrics, melody, or only sample part of the song. You must cover the full song exactly as it was written, adhering to the original structure.
- The original master that you are covering must be formally released on DSPs first in order for you to release a cover of it.
Legal licensing for cover songs typically doesn’t apply to remixes or mashups, which alter the original song’s melody, lyrics, or arrangement significantly.
Legal Requirements for Releasing a Cover Song
Every new song automatically receives copyright protection, granting the creator exclusive rights to their work. To legally release a cover song of a previously released song, obtaining a mechanical license, also known as a compulsory license, is required. This license permits you to record and sell your version of the song with the song owner’s approval.
A valid mechanical license is required for all cover songs distributed through Label Engine. Please attach your mechanical license to the “Notes and Files” section at the bottom of the album-level release page.
If a song is in the public domain, meaning it is no longer protected by copyright, a mechanical license is not required to release a cover version. However, most commercially released music is still under copyright protection, so it is important to verify the status of the song before proceeding.
How to Obtain a Mechanical License
Obtaining a mechanical license can be done through various methods, with one of the most straightforward approaches being the use of licensing services like Harry Fox Agency (HFA) or its self-service platform, Songfile. HFA specializes in issuing mechanical licenses and managing royalty payments for music publishers. Through Songfile, independent artists and small labels can efficiently search for their desired song, pay the required licensing fee, and obtain licenses for digital downloads, physical copies, and interactive streams.
Similarly, Easy Song offers a streamlined process for securing mechanical licenses. This third-party company manages the licensing process by collecting information about the song and its intended use, ensuring compliance with copyright laws and proper royalty distribution to rights holders.
How to distribute a cover song with Label Engine
When distributing a cover song through Label Engine, it is essential to include the following information in your release details:
- Original Publisher(s): Provide a complete and accurate list of publishers associated with the original composition.
- Original Songwriter(s): Provide a complete and accurate list of songwriters credited on the original composition.
- Original Title: Ensure the song title exactly matches how it appears in the original release.
- C/P Line: The master owner (your label) should be listed in the P line. The original performer must be listed in the C line.
Please upload your mechanical license to the “Notes and Files” section at the bottom of the album-level release page, or send it to support@label-engine.com.
If you have any questions or need further assistance with your release, please contact support@label-engine.com.