Cover Song Distribution: A Comprehensive Guide for Musicians
In today's digital music landscape, cover songs have become a powerful way for artists to showcase their talent, connect with new audiences, and generate income. However, distributing cover songs involves navigating complex licensing requirements and understanding the right platforms to use. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cover song distribution, from legal considerations to the best services for getting your covers to streaming platforms.
What Is Cover Song Distribution?
Cover song distribution refers to the process of releasing and making available recordings of songs originally written and recorded by other artists. Unlike original music distribution, cover songs require specific licenses and royalty arrangements to legally distribute them across streaming platforms, social media, and digital stores.
When you create a cover song, you're performing someone else's composition. The original composition is protected by copyright, which means you need proper permission to record, distribute, and monetize your version of the song.
The Legal Side of Cover Song Distribution
Understanding Mechanical Licenses
Before distributing a cover song, you must obtain a mechanical license. This license gives you permission to record and distribute another artist's composition. The mechanical license ensures that the original songwriters receive royalties for the use of their work.
In the United States, mechanical royalty rates are set by the Copyright Royalty Board. As of 2023, the rate for physical or digital downloads is 9.1 cents per song or 1.75 cents per minute of playing time, whichever is greater.
How to Obtain a Mechanical License
There are several ways to obtain a mechanical license:
Music Licensing Companies: Services like Harry Fox Agency or Easy Song Licensing can help secure mechanical licenses.
Distribution Services with Built-in Licensing: Many digital distributors like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby offer mechanical licensing services as part of their distribution packages.
Direct from Publishers: You can contact the song's publisher directly to negotiate a license.
The Difference Between Mechanical and Sync Licenses
It's important to understand that mechanical licenses only cover audio recordings. If you plan to create a music video for your cover or use it in video content, you'll need an additional sync license. Sync licenses are required when music is synchronized with visual media.
Best Distribution Platforms for Cover Songs
Choosing the right distribution service is crucial for effectively releasing your cover songs. Here are some of the top platforms that specifically cater to cover song distribution:
DistroKid
DistroKid has become one of the most popular options for distributing cover songs due to its affordable pricing and comprehensive licensing options.
Cover Song Licensing: DistroKid's "Leganto" service handles mechanical licensing for a fee of $12 per cover song in addition to your subscription cost.
Distribution Reach: Distributes to all major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, Instagram, and over 150 others.
Pricing: Annual subscription starting at $19.99/year for unlimited releases.
Royalties: Artists keep 100% of their royalties.
CD Baby
CD Baby offers a straightforward approach to cover song distribution with no annual fees.
Cover Song Licensing: Integrated licensing service for $14.99 per song.
Distribution Reach: Over 150 digital platforms worldwide.
Pricing: One-time fee of $9.95 per single or $29 per album.
Royalties: Artists keep 91% of their digital royalties.
TuneCore
TuneCore provides detailed analytics and comprehensive licensing options.
Cover Song Licensing: TuneCore handles mechanical licensing for $15 per cover song.
Distribution Reach: All major streaming platforms and digital stores.
Pricing: $9.99 per single per year or $29.99 per album for the first year.
Royalties: Artists keep 100% of their royalties.
Soundrop
Soundrop (formerly Loudr) specializes in cover song distribution.
Cover Song Licensing: Included in their service at no extra cost.
Distribution Reach: All major platforms.
Pricing: No upfront fee; they take 15% of your royalties.
Royalties: Artists keep 85% of their streaming and download revenue.
Amuse
Amuse offers a free distribution option but charges separately for cover licensing.
Cover Song Licensing: Available through their partner services for approximately $10-15 per cover.
Distribution Reach: All major streaming platforms.
Pricing: Free basic plan or Pro plan at $59.99/year.
Royalties: Artists keep 100% of their royalties on all plans.
How to Choose the Right Distribution Service for Cover Songs
When selecting a distribution service for your cover songs, consider the following factors:
Licensing Integration: Some services handle licensing for you, which can save time and ensure legal compliance.
Cost Structure: Consider whether a subscription model or pay-per-release works better for your release schedule.
Royalty Splits: Check if the service takes a percentage of your earnings or allows you to keep 100%.
Distribution Network: Ensure the service distributes to all the platforms where you want your music available.
Payment Timeline: How quickly you'll receive your royalties can vary between services.
For artists just starting their journey, having a strong online presence is crucial. Consider building a free musician website to showcase your cover songs alongside your original work.
Maximizing Success with Cover Song Distribution
Strategic Cover Song Selection
Choosing the right songs to cover can significantly impact your success. Consider these factors when selecting songs:
Current Popularity: Covering trending songs can help you capitalize on existing search volume.
Evergreen Classics: Timeless hits continue to generate streams year-round.
Unexplored Gems: Lesser-known songs by popular artists may have less competition.
Genre Crossovers: Reinterpreting a song in a different genre can showcase your creativity.
Optimizing Metadata for Cover Songs
Proper metadata is crucial for ensuring your cover songs are discoverable:
Always include "Cover" in your track title (e.g., "Shape of You (Cover)")
List the original artist in the subtitle or description
Use relevant genre tags that match the original song and your interpretation
Include the original song's popular keywords in your description
For example, if you're covering Adele's "Hello," your metadata might look like:
Title: Hello (Cover)
Subtitle: Originally by Adele
Primary Genre: Pop
Description: My acoustic interpretation of Adele's hit song "Hello" from the album "25."
Promoting Your Cover Songs
Distribution is just the first step. To maximize the impact of your covers:
Create Video Content: Upload your cover to YouTube and short-form platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels (remember to obtain sync licenses).
Leverage Hashtags: Use hashtags related to both the original artist and cover songs (#CoverSong, #AdeleCover).
Submit to Cover Song Playlists: Many curators create playlists specifically for cover songs.
Tag Original Artists: Sometimes original artists share covers they enjoy, which can significantly boost visibility.
Understanding Royalties for Cover Songs
When distributing cover songs, there are two main types of royalties to understand:
Mechanical Royalties
These are paid to the songwriter or composer of the original song for the right to reproduce their composition. As the cover artist, you'll need to ensure these are paid through your mechanical license.
Performance Royalties
These are generated when your cover song is played on streaming platforms, radio, or in public venues. As the performer of the cover, you're entitled to the performance royalties, while the original songwriter receives their share for the composition.
To ensure you collect all performance royalties you're entitled to, register with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) like:
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Cover Song Distribution
Incorrect or Missing Credits
Always properly credit the original songwriters and publishers. Failing to do so can lead to your release being removed from platforms or even legal action.
Unauthorized Modifications
Most mechanical licenses allow you to record the song in your style, but they don't permit changing the lyrics or fundamental song structure without additional permission.
Ignoring Territory Restrictions
Some songs may have different publishers in different territories, which could impact global distribution. Your distribution service should help navigate these complexities.
Assuming YouTube Covers Don't Need Licensing
Many artists incorrectly believe that posting cover songs on YouTube is automatically legal. While YouTube has agreements with many publishers (through Content ID), this doesn't necessarily cover your use, especially if you're monetizing the video.
Advanced Cover Song Strategies
Creating Cover Song Compilations or Albums
Rather than releasing individual covers, some artists find success with themed cover albums or EPs. This approach can be particularly effective for targeting specific niches or seasonal opportunities (like holiday covers).
Collaborating with Other Cover Artists
Partnering with other artists who specialize in covers can help you access new audiences and create unique interpretations that stand out from solo covers.
Building a Sustainable Cover Song Revenue Stream
Some artists develop successful careers primarily based on cover songs. Consider these approaches:
Develop a recognizable style that makes your covers distinctive
Create a regular release schedule to build a following
Gradually introduce original music to fans who discovered you through covers
Use covers to experiment with different genres and styles
For more insights on distributing your music as an independent artist, check out this guide on independent music distribution options for indie artists.
Case Studies: Successful Cover Song Strategies
Boyce Avenue
This band built their initial following primarily through acoustic covers on YouTube, amassing billions of views. They used their cover song success to launch tours and release original music, while continuing to release covers to sustain audience growth.
Postmodern Jukebox
This collective takes contemporary pop songs and reimagines them in vintage styles. Their unique approach to covers has led to over 1.4 billion YouTube views and successful worldwide tours.
The Piano Guys
Combining classical and contemporary music, The Piano Guys create instrumental covers that appeal to multiple demographics. Their strategy of creating visually stunning videos to accompany their covers has helped them stand out in a crowded field.
Future Trends in Cover Song Distribution
AI-Powered Licensing Solutions
Emerging technologies are streamlining the licensing process, making it faster and more efficient to secure rights for cover songs. Some services are now using AI to match cover recordings with original compositions and automate the licensing process.
Blockchain and Smart Contracts
Blockchain technology is being explored as a way to create transparent royalty payment systems that ensure all rights holders receive appropriate compensation for cover song usage.
Immersive and Interactive Cover Experiences
As virtual reality and augmented reality become more mainstream, cover artists are experimenting with immersive performances and interactive elements that reimagine how audiences experience cover songs.
FAQs About Cover Song Distribution
Do I need permission to distribute a cover song?
Yes. You need to obtain a mechanical license to legally distribute a cover song. Most distribution services offer built-in licensing options to simplify this process.
How much does it cost to license a cover song?
The statutory mechanical royalty rate in the US is 9.1 cents per song per copy sold/downloaded or 1.75 cents per minute of playing time (whichever is greater). Distribution services typically charge $10-15 to handle the licensing for you, plus the ongoing royalty payments.
Can I change the lyrics or arrangement of a song I'm covering?
Standard mechanical licenses typically don't allow for lyric changes or drastic arrangement modifications. For these changes, you'd need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder, often through a "derivative work" license.
Do I need a license to perform cover songs live?
For live performances, the venue typically handles licensing through blanket licenses with performing rights organizations (PROs). However, if you're live streaming your performance, different rules may apply depending on the platform.
How long does it take to get approval for a cover song?
Through most digital distributors, the licensing process takes 1-3 weeks. Some services offer "instant" licensing for many popular songs, allowing you to distribute while they handle the paperwork in the background.
Conclusion
Cover song distribution represents a powerful opportunity for artists to showcase their talent, connect with new audiences, and generate revenue. By understanding the legal requirements, choosing the right distribution partners, and implementing effective promotion strategies, you can turn cover songs into a valuable part of your music career.
Remember that successful cover song distribution goes beyond simply uploading your tracks. It requires attention to licensing details, thoughtful selection of material, optimization for discoverability, and strategic promotion. When done right, cover songs can serve as both a creative outlet and a stepping stone to building your unique artist identity.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your existing music portfolio, cover songs provide a proven path to engage with audiences and grow your following in today's digital music landscape.