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 mashup 2 songs. You must retain the creative integrity of the original song.
- 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:
- Mechanical License: You must upload your mechanical license to the “Notes and Files” section on the album level of your release (not track level).
- Original Song Title: Enter the accurate title of the original composition in the Title field. No additional words should be added to the title.
- Original Publisher(s): Provide a complete list of publishers associated with the original song in the Publisher field.
- Original Credits: Provide a complete list of songwriters credited with the original song. Please ensure that the artist performing the cover is not credited as a songwriter.
- C/P Line: The master owner (your label) should be listed in the P line; however, the original composition owner must be listed in the C line.
- Mark as a cover: Please select “Yes” beside the Cover Song dropdown to mark that your release is a cover.
Please note: Label Engine cannot distribute any covers to Korean service providers (ie: Melon, Flo) without written permission from the original artist. If you obtain this, please upload in the “Notes and Files” section on the album level of your release (not track level). If our team does not receive this, we will omit delivering to these stores.
If you have any questions or need further assistance with your release, please contact support@label-engine.com.