Blog PostsIndependent Artist’s Guide: Commission-Free Music Sales & Licensing

Covering a song can be an exciting way for artists to pay homage to their musical influences or share their unique take on a beloved tune. A song cover involves recording and performing a version of an existing track originally created by another artist.

While the creative process is thrilling, it’s crucial to understand the financial aspects involved. From licensing fees to recording costs, and even distribution expenses, the costs can add up quickly. Knowing the various expenses beforehand helps in planning a realistic budget, ensuring your cover project is both legally compliant and financially viable.

In this guide, we'll break down all the costs you should anticipate when covering a song. From legal fees to production costs, we'll cover it all.

What is a Song Cover?

A song cover is a version of an original track created by another artist. It involves recording and performing the same song with different musical arrangements, vocals, or instrumentation. The process of covering a song has become increasingly popular among musicians as it allows them to showcase their creativity and pay tribute to their musical influences.

While some covers may stay true to the original version, others may add a unique twist or incorporate different genres. Regardless of the approach, it’s essential for artists to understand the legal and financial aspects involved in covering a song before starting the project.

Having a clear understanding of what constitutes a song cover and its associated costs can help artists plan their budget effectively and avoid any potential legal issues in the future.

Understand Different Types of Music Licenses

When covering a song, it is crucial to understand the various types of music licenses that may be required. These licenses give you the legal permission to use someone else's original work and make your own version. There are three primary types of music licenses that artists should be aware of when covering a song:

Mechanical License:

A mechanical license grants you the right to reproduce and distribute a song in physical or digital formats. This type of license is required when recording and distributing a cover version of a song. It is usually obtained through a music publisher, who will also collect royalties on behalf of the original songwriter.

Synchronization License:

A synchronization (sync) license allows you to use an existing song in combination with visual media, such as TV shows, films, or advertisements. If you plan on creating a music video for your cover song, you will need to obtain this license from the copyright owner of the original song.

Performance License:

A performance license gives you the right to publicly perform a copyrighted work. This type of license is required if you plan on performing your cover version in a live setting, such as a concert or a public event. It is typically obtained through a performance rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP or BMI.

Understanding the different types of music licenses and obtaining them before releasing your cover song is essential to avoid any legal issues or copyright infringement claims.

How Much Does It Cost to Cover a Song

The cost of covering a song can vary greatly depending on the scope and scale of the project. It's essential to consider all potential expenses when budgeting for your cover song, including licensing fees, recording costs, and distribution expenses.

Licensing Fees:

As mentioned earlier, obtaining the appropriate music licenses is a crucial step in covering a song legally. The cost of these licenses will vary based on factors such as the popularity of the original song and the type of license required. Mechanical licenses typically range from $0.091 to $0.24 per physical copy sold or digitally downloaded, while sync licenses can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the intended use.

Performance licenses are typically obtained through a PRO, and the cost may vary depending on factors such as venue size and ticket sales. It's essential to research and budget for these licensing fees before starting your cover project to avoid any unexpected expenses.

Recording Costs:

Another significant expense in covering a song is recording costs. This includes studio rental fees, hiring musicians or vocalists, paying engineers and producers, and mixing and mastering services. The cost can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the song, the quality of equipment used, and the experience level of the professionals hired.

Some artists may choose to record their cover songs at home with basic equipment to reduce costs. However, this may affect the overall quality of the final product. It's crucial to weigh the pros and cons and budget accordingly for recording costs.

Distribution Expenses:

Once your cover song is recorded and ready to be released, there may be additional expenses involved in distributing it. This can include fees for digital distribution platforms such as Spotify or iTunes, physical copies of CDs or vinyl records, and marketing expenses.

The cost of distribution will depend on the level of promotion and reach you desire for your cover song. With OohYeah, you can choose to self-distribute your project through social media platforms or opt for a more extensive distribution plan that includes radio play and advertising. Whatever method you choose, make sure to factor these expenses into your budget to maximize your success.

What are the Ways to Minimize Costs

While covering a song may involve significant expenses, there are ways to minimize costs and still produce a high-quality cover project. Here are some tips to help keep your budget in check:

• Choose songs that require fewer licensing fees: Some songs have less strict licensing requirements or may be covered under a compulsory mechanical license, which means you don't need direct permission from the copyright owner.
• Recruit talented musicians and vocalists from your network: Instead of hiring professionals, consider collaborating with other artists or friends who have the skills needed for your cover project. This can reduce recording costs significantly.
• Opt for digital distribution: Physical copies can be expensive to produce and distribute. Consider releasing your cover song digitally through streaming platforms or digital downloads to cut down on costs.
• Be creative with marketing: Instead of paying for traditional advertising, utilize social media and other free online platforms to promote your cover project. Engage with fans and followers and encourage them to share your music with their networks.

These are just a few ways you can minimize costs when covering a song. It's essential to be resourceful and think outside the box to stay within your budget.

Why do You Need a License for Cover Songs?

Obtaining the necessary licenses for your cover song is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure that the original creators of the song are properly compensated. Without these licenses, you risk facing copyright infringement claims and potentially having your project shut down or removed from distribution platforms.

Additionally, obtaining licenses allows you to use copyrighted material while still respecting the rights of the original creators. As an artist, it's essential to respect intellectual property and obtain proper permission when using someone else's work in your own projects. This also sets a good example for other artists and promotes ethical practices within the music industry.

Furthermore, obtaining licenses ensures that all parties involved in creating and distributing your cover song receive fair compensation for their work. This includes the original songwriter, publisher, and any other individuals or organizations involved in the creation and distribution process. It's important to support fellow artists and acknowledge their contributions to the music industry.

Do Music Videos for Cover Songs Require a License?

Yes, music videos for cover songs also require proper licensing in order to avoid copyright infringement claims. This is because the visuals used in a music video are considered an integral part of the song and fall under the same copyright laws as the audio.

If you choose to make a music video for your cover song, you will need to obtain sync licenses from both the original songwriter and the owner of any visual material used (such as stock footage or images). These licenses can be costly, so it's essential to budget for them accordingly before creating your music video.

It's crucial to remember that just because a song is in the public domain does not mean its accompanying visuals are as well. Always do thorough research and obtain the necessary licenses to avoid any legal issues when creating a music video for your cover song.

What Happens If I Post a Cover Song Without a License?

If you post a cover song without obtaining the necessary licenses, you risk facing legal consequences for copyright infringement. This can result in fines, cease and desist orders, and even lawsuits from the original copyright owner.

Additionally, posting a cover song without proper licensing goes against ethical practices within the music industry. It disrespectfully uses someone else's work without their permission and deprives them of fair compensation for their contributions.

It's always best to obtain the necessary licenses before releasing any cover project to avoid potential legal issues and promote ethical practices within the music community. So make sure to budget and plan accordingly for all expenses involved in covering a song to ensure a successful and respectful project.

How To Release a Cover Song on Spotify or other streaming platforms?

Releasing a cover song on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube requires proper licenses and understanding

of the distribution process. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Obtain the necessary licenses: Before releasing your cover song on streaming platforms, make sure to obtain mechanical licenses from the original songwriter and publisher. If you plan on using visuals in a music video, also secure sync licenses for any copyrighted material used.
2. Choose a digital distributor: To get your cover song onto streaming platforms, you'll need to work with a digital distribution service. Some popular options include DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby.
3. Create an account and upload your music: Once you've chosen a distribution service, create an account and upload your cover song. Make sure to follow their specific guidelines for file format and quality.
4. Provide all necessary information: When uploading your song, you'll need to provide information about the original song and copyright holders. This ensures proper compensation is given to all parties involved.
5. Pay any applicable fees: Digital distribution services typically charge a small fee per release or take a percentage of streaming revenue. Be prepared to pay these fees when uploading your cover project.
6. Release and promote your cover song: Once uploaded, your cover song will go through a review process before being released on streaming platforms. Use social media and other online platforms to promote your song and encourage listeners to stream it on their preferred platform.

By following these steps, you can successfully release your cover song on streaming platforms and reach a wider audience.

Case Studies : Successful Cover Songs on Streaming Platforms

There have been many successful cover songs released on streaming platforms over the years. Here are a few examples of artists who found success with their cover projects:

• Pentatonix's a cappella version of "Hallelujah" reached number one on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart in 2016.
• Postmodern Jukebox is a popular YouTube channel that creates vintage-style covers of modern songs. Their cover of "All About That Bass" has over 30 million views and counting.
• William Singe gained popularity through his R&B covers on YouTube and has since released original music, but his cover of Drake's "Hotline Bling" remains his most popular video with over 160 million views.

These artists show that releasing cover songs on streaming platforms can lead to success and even help launch their careers.

FAQs

How much does a cover song license typically cost?

The cost of a cover song license can vary depending on the song and the platform where it will be distributed. Typically, cover song licensing fees range from $15 to $50 per song through services like Easy Song Licensing. However, prices may vary if you're working with organizations like the Harry Fox Agency.

What is the process for obtaining a cover song license?

To legally cover a song, you need to obtain a cover song license, which grants you the right to distribute your version of the song. Services like Easy Song Licensing make the process straightforward by handling the paperwork and securing the necessary permissions. The license usually includes an International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) to identify your sound recording.

Do I need a cover song license for international distribution?

Yes, you need a cover song license for international distribution of your cover versions. Licensing agencies, such as the Harry Fox Agency, can help you obtain the necessary permissions to legally cover songs and distribute them across different countries.

What is the role of the International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) in covering songs?

The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is a unique identifier for your sound recording. When you obtain a cover song license, the ISRC is typically included to ensure that your version of the song is properly tracked and recognized. This code is essential for legal distribution and royalty collection when covering songs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, covering a song involves several costs that can quickly add up, from licensing fees and recording expenses to distribution and marketing efforts. Understanding these financial aspects is crucial for planning and executing a successful cover project. Being aware of performance rights and legal requirements ensures your cover is compliant and protects you from potential legal issues.

By budgeting wisely and considering all potential expenses, you can create a high-quality cover that resonates with your audience and honors the original work. With OohYeah's support, careful planning, and a clear understanding of the costs involved, your musical homage can be both creatively fulfilling and financially sustainable.