New Music top - best music distribution for cover songs

Cover songs are a way to help singers build an audience, however you may require a mechanical license in some situations. It's important to recognize the laws around cover songs before you start covering up artists.

You must obtain a mechanical license from the original author or publisher in order to record and release cover songs.

What is a cover song?

You are probably wondering how to release a cover song. But first you must know what it is. A cover song is known as a performance/recording of an existing song that is performed by someone who is not the original artist. You don't need permission when you cover a song live. UK performances are licensed under PRS, however cover songs require their own license. You can obtain permission from the copyright holder through the MCPS. Copyright is credited to the original songwriter when the song is written or recorded, subject to tangible evidence.

What is a mechanical license?

New recordings of existing songs need cover song licensing. If you want to record your own version of a cover song and release it, you will need a so-called "mechanical license", which has the right to make copies of the song's musical composition, such as lyrics and sheet music. If you want to release a cover version and get it distributed, that's possible. You just need to make sure you register the song with the performing rights society as your version with the original songwriters.

The original owner of the song has the right to regulate who makes the first recording. They must not grant a mechanical license when there is no previous recorded version of the song. If the song is not commercially released as a record, then you will not be able to obtain a compulsory mechanical license. The mechanical license is for recording only. This means that the mechanical license does not cover music videos or cover performance videos. You also won't be able to make any significant changes to the lyrics or the melody, but it's possible to make your own interpretations of the performance.

How to release a cover song

Social media and music publishing platforms such as SoundCloud and YouTube have seen an increase in cover song licensing requests, with artists seeking permission to cover the songs they want to release. Some artists are gaining exposure by gaining exposure by posting cover songs to help them open up. This can lead to legal complications, so you need to understand how can I release a cover song legally?

Here are some easy steps to license cover songs:

1. Obtaining a cover song license that allows you to record and release the original song

2. Get the International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) to identify your cover from any others

3. Make sure you're set to receive performance royalties

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, a lot of artists start their careers by playing cover songs, especially since the rise of reality music shows and YouTube channels. A song cover is a great way to get you noticed in the music industry and discover your own style before releasing the original tracks. Make sure you have the correct cover song licensing and mechanical license.

If you are looking for a producer for your cover. New Music is here to help. We can offer a performance for cover versions, plus if you want to promote the cover version