A cover song is a new version of an already existing song that has been created by another artist. Cover songs have been a popular trend in the music industry for decades, and many musicians have found great success by recording their own versions of popular songs. In this blog post, we will discuss how to produce and distribute a legal cover song, as well as the advantages of creating one and the different royalties involved.
Producing a Legal Cover Song
Producing a legal cover song requires obtaining permission from the original copyright holder. This is usually the music publisher that owns the rights to the song. In order to obtain permission, you will need to obtain a mechanical license. A mechanical license gives you the right to reproduce and distribute a copyrighted song. Some popular music distribution services, such as DistroKid, can help you obtain a mechanical license for a cover song.
Once you have obtained a mechanical license, you can begin producing your cover song. You can use any instrumentals or backing tracks that you like, as long as they are not copyrighted. You will need to record your own vocals and mix them together with the instrumentals to create your own version of the song.
Distributing a Legal Cover Song
After you have produced your cover song, you can distribute it through a variety of music distribution services, such as DistroKid, CD Baby, or TuneCore. These services will help you distribute your song to major music streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. These services will also handle the royalty payments and distribute them to the copyright holder.
Advantages of Creating a Cover Song
Creating a cover song can have several advantages for an unknown artist. One of the most significant advantages is that it allows you to piggyback off the success of a popular song. If you produce a high-quality cover version of a popular song, you may be able to attract new fans who are searching for that song on streaming platforms. Additionally, if your cover song becomes popular, it may attract the attention of music industry professionals who are looking for new talent.
Royalties Involved in a Cover Song
When you create a cover song, there are two types of royalties involved: mechanical royalties and performance royalties. Mechanical royalties are paid to the original copyright holder for the right to reproduce and distribute the song. These royalties are usually paid directly to the publisher, and they are typically a fixed percentage of the revenue generated by the cover song.
Performance royalties are paid to the songwriter and publisher of the original song every time your cover song is performed or played in public. These royalties are usually collected by performance rights organizations (PROs), such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. When you distribute your cover song through a music distribution service, they will typically handle the collection and distribution of performance royalties on your behalf.
In conclusion, producing a cover song can be a great way for an unknown artist to attract new fans and gain exposure in the music industry. By obtaining a mechanical license, producing a high-quality version of a popular song, and distributing it through a music distribution service, you can legally distribute your cover song to major music streaming platforms while ensuring that all necessary royalties are paid to the original copyright holder.
