Everything you need to know about Releasing a Cover Song with DistroKid
Hey, everyone!
In this video, you’ll learn everything you need to know to Release a Cover Song with DistroKid.
Maybe you’ve always thought about releasing a cover song or maybe you’re just curious how it works
But usually, releasing a cover song involves navigating copyright issues and ensuring that you comply with legal requirements.
If you go the long way, You’ll need to obtain the proper licenses and permissions to release a cover song legally. This involves securing a mechanical license (for reproducing and distributing the song).
You’ll have to Identify and contact the rights holders of the original song. This includes the songwriter(s), the music publisher, and the record label if applicable.
You’ll also need to pay mechanical royalties to the original songwriter(s) for each copy sold or streamed.
But now uploading your covers has never been easier, thanks to the team at DistroKid. They’ve got your back every step of the way to streamline this process.
DistroKid handles this entire process for you by obtaining these licenses and deducting royalties automatically.
No headaches about licensing or legalities. They handle all of that for you. So, you can concentrate on what matters most—making music!
And hey – if you need to take a break from songwriting, A cover song takes away the pressure of crafting that perfect chorus or figuring out the bridge. Pure musical magic without the fuss. Maybe try a reharmonization instead.
You’ve got the time to figure it out because DistroKid takes care of all the nitty-gritty stuff. Licensing? Finances? they got it covered. You focus on the music, and they make sure both you and the original songwriter get what they deserve.
___________
you can access this feature while uploading your cover.
Step 1: Fill in Song Title
Step 2: Choose ‘Another person wrote this’ a little further down the upload form
Step 3: Then fill out the Form with the OG song title and artist and DistroKid will automatically get the license and pay the OG Songwriter (Note: This can take up to 2 weeks so plan release accordingly)
Step 4: Finally, Make sure this song doesn’t contain samples of another artists music, That’s a whole other headache.
And then DistroKid will distribute your cover to all major streaming services for just $12 a year per song. That’s just a dollar a month to upload your own version of your favourite song.
Licensing Rules
There are a few rules on which songs can be licensed. The song must have been release on iTunes, or have been pressed and available for purchase in the United States, or on an artists website.
But you can’t license something from a film score, or video game that isn’t on a separate soundtrack release. Or songs that have never been made available in the United States.
Public Domain Covers
If you wanna cover a traditional piece of music in the public domain? If you want to cover a piece of music recorded in/before 1922 you are free to do so, but the way you go about it is kinda wacky.
One way to do this is When you upload the song, select the box that says you wrote the song, (This will bypass the licensing fee, so only do this if you’re absolutely sure)
If the OG songwriter is known, you can credit them.
If no author is known, you can credit yourself as author of your own arrangement OR
You can list the songwriter as:
First Name: Traditional
Last Name: Music
________________________
So, what are you waiting for? Let those creative juices flow, cover your favorite holiday tunes, and let DistroKid handle the rest.
If you haven’t already, you can use this link to get 7% off your first year’s subscription.
Thank you for watching and Thank you to DistroKid for their continued support of the channel.
Happy Holidays and enjoy uploading your favourite covers!
Until Next Time.
