It's possible that other tribute groups have these synch licenses in place, which would keep them from being taken down. Thanks for this - does this apply for the US and rest of the world if you go through Loudr? ... Cover Song Licensing Easily obtain 100% of the rights you need to release any cover song in 1-2 business days. Sign up free now! Lock down the details. So you have a worry-free way to build your catalog of cover songs. We hope this helps you legally release covers of your favorite songs to share with your fans! Other companies claiming to assign ISRCs on behalf of their clients are not authorized to do so and the ISRC's they generate are invalid and risk collisions with codes issued by authorized registrants and ISRC Managers. So, if you’re just going to release a cover song on YouTube but won’t be selling it, you don't need to obtain mechanical license. Loudr and Easy Song Licensing are independent services that charge a small service fee (about $15 per song) to secure a mechanical license for any song that you’d like to cover. Posting cover songs on YouTube and Facebook Can I upload cover songs to YouTube? Although you will not earn publishing royalties related to the underlying composition (remember, the original songwriter is the copyright owner and compulsory license enables you to record and distribute a cover), such as performance royalties that are paid out by ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, you will own the master sound recording and will be able to collect master royalties. I used to be part of the fanvid community, and we'd fly under radar because there was little else we could do. You can see part one and 5 questions about Youtube cover songs answered here.. Today though, we’re going to look at how to get a synchronization license (also known as a sync license) and some of the legal questions surrounding whether cover songs are allowed on Youtube or not. When licensing covers that you’ll just offer for free online (streaming or download), you will still need to obtain a license so that the original songwriter(s) get paid. "So, if you’re just going to release a cover song on YouTube but won’t be selling it, you don't need to obtain mechanical license. This is awesome because if you’re covering some obscure song from an indie band in Wyoming or an international songwriter from France, you wouldn’t be able to. A Complete Guide to SEO for Musicians [PDF Download], How Unbelievable Beats Makes Money From Free Beats [PDF Download], Customizing Your Site: Design Tips & Tricks from a Pro [VIDEO], How to Book a Tour Without a Booking Agent [VIDEO], How to Use SEO to Promote Your Music [VIDEO]. Outside of the U.S., digital services pay local collection societies, who then pay the publishers. According to copyright law, cover songs cannot alter the underlying arrangement or melody. YouTube Music cover songs: it’s kinda our thing. In a cover, artists will replace the original vocals and instrumentation with their own. [[VIDEO] How to Sell Bandcamp Music on Your Bandzoogle Website], If you’re planning to release your own version of a song on your next album, you’ll need a mechanical license. Print License: If you're writing a book and want to include lyrics, you're going to need a Print License. License your cover song. Free 30 day trial, no credit card needed. YouTube has pulled all of our posted videos (our promo video and three live-shot vids) and deleted our YouTube channel last year. I am a singer, recently won the Bulgarian X Factor. Get 100% of the rights you need to release your new version of any song in 1-2 business days. I read somewhere Spotify pays for covers. Cover songs or ‘covers’ are re-recorded versions of a song. Success stories like those of Justin Bieber, Tori Kelly, 5 Seconds of Summer, Charlie Puth, Shawn Mendes, and Ed Sheeran are no longer rare phenomena. Put your own twist on a popular song and Soundrop will help you properly license and distribute it! 99% of the time a large artist isn't going to care as you can see based on the number of cover videos out there. Cover Song Licensing Once a musical work has been published, anyone can record a cover version of the song by obtaining a mechanical license. Mechanical Licensing for Cover Songs: If you’ve recorded a version of another artist’s song and you plan to distribute it online, you’ll need a mechanical license. Just click the cover song box when you release with LANDR, enter a bit of info and we’ll take care of the rest. The law includes a provision that enables anyone to reproduce and distribute a composition by following the specific requirements set out in the compulsory license. A mechanical license for cover songs gives you the right to reproduce and distribute a copyrighted song on a permanent digital download. When songs are hits, earning national and even international reach can happen literally overnight. However, if you’re looking to license famous songs by top artists, the price can skyrocket to … Spotify) and limited downloads (e.g. Most cover songs can be easily obtained in 1-2 business days for a small fee of $13.42* or less (Check out our cover song licensing services). Copyright stuff and licenses are a dense subject, but when it comes to covers, you really only need to get a license for is selling the song anywhere (iTunes, CD's, Bandzoogle, etc). YouTube has even reached out to some of our fans who have posted our videos (they shot on their phones) too. I would like to make some covers of pop songs and post them on Youtube. It does not cover public performance and display. These licenses pay 9.1 cents to the songwriter per download (or physical purchase of the album.). Licensing in general is a very dense subject, so your best bet is to contact your regional P.R.O. They are not full songs, and we are not selling the video. But, this is only for YouTube. I am still hoping to get played on Youtube with my tracks from Bandzoogle to actually sell my songs on there which is to no avail? To cover a song, artists need a mechanical license to distribute music digitally or physically, and a synchronization license if a visual element is added (YouTube video, TV synch, etc.) Its Cover Song Licensing service This happens when fake ISRCs are issued or legitimate ISRCs are re-used. © 2020 TuneRegistry, LLC. The goal of virtually all aspiring artists is to have their music heard as wide and as far as possible. You can quickly and easily obtain ISRCs for each of your versions/mixes inside your account and immediately use the ISRC with any digital distributor to get your cover song distributed. It's rare that people actually do this, because most publishers don't deal with indie level artists. Note that those same rights are granted to the owners of sound recordings too, but since you’re making your own version of an existing song, you won’t need to deal with whichever entity owns the master recording. The beauty of these operations is that they handle all of the music licensing and royalty issues, so you never have to worry about landing in hot water with YouTube or an artist. There is no way to legally release a cover music video on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, or Twitter. The mechanical license covers reproduction and distribution. And yeah, I can't get a reply from the rights holders, even when I try to find and contact the right one :( There doesn't seem to be a precedent for using someone else's cover. Some sites charge you per song or per usage, but at Soundstripe we make it easy-peasy. I am in the process of negotiating (Supplying Performer Data) with both PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) and PRS (Performing Right Society) I received through Paypal payment from my account to Bandzoogle. I would appreciate it if you could give me some information about covering songs. After your payment clears, we send out the required notices and royalties to the copyright holder. QMZTA1700001). Creators participating in the YouTube Partner Program can share revenue from eligible cover song videos on YouTube, once music publisher owners claim those videos. Your ISRC can and should also be embedded in the metadata of your recording file so that when your recordings are released as a digital download or on physical formats, the ISRC is attached to the recording. What is a Mechanical License? Our problem is that we are a tribute group for Seattle music time period, and we cover about 5 bands in our promo vid. Obtaining a Synch License. YouTube will simply pay royalties to the publishers from the monies collected through ads displayed on your video. Get 100% of the rights you need to release your new version of any song in 1-2 business days. Is it necessary to get licenses to release cover songs if I plan to only release them on Spotify? The rates for interactive streams (e.g. I'm in Australia. This is awesome because if you’re covering some obscure song from an indie band in Wyoming or an international songwriter from France, you wouldn’t be able to. Cover Song Licensing. If the popularity of user generated content (UGC) platforms, such as YouTube and SoundCloud, has taught us anything about the music industry in the Digital Age, it is that aspiring artists from anywhere can amass huge online audiences and earn global reach by putting out cover songs that spark a reaction. If you get a dance remix of your cover or do a stripped down acoustic version of your studio-produced cover, again each of these versions will require a unique ISRC. Will I get money for my cover song. I contacted her, and got the reply that they're okay with that, if I secure the proper rights so they don't get into trouble or get their video taken down. Easy Song Licensing helps indie artists, corporations, churches, schools, community groups, and individuals get permission to use copyrighted music for all types of uses. I would be very grateful if you enlighten me about selling my songs on Youtube plus other sites? This makes it easier for you to go to them for most of the top popular songs released in the U.S. HFA’s service for obtaining a mechanical license is called SongFile. These requirements basically state that you must notify the copyright owner of your intent to use their song and you must account to (provide reports and statements on usage) and pay statutory mechanical royalties to the copyright owner for each use. Songfile and Easy Song Licensing will only issue licenses up to 2,500 downloads. But if you do cover a song, you must pay a royalty to the song’s creator (that’s the licensing part). Say a band had a cover song on an album, and are paying royalties to the original songwriter. Many artists don’t know that sharing a video of a cover song on YouTube, without proper licensing, is in breach of UK copyright law. - You can now post covers of many very popular songs on Youtube without the need for a synch license. In Part 1 of this series, we covered what a performing rights organization (PRO) is, what they do, and how they can collect royalties for your music. Licensing cover songs and managing the ongoing accounting hassle of paying mechanical royalties to publishers is NOT why ... not something like “Joy to the World (cover song) by Opening Band.” That stuff might fly on YouTube or Soundcloud, but it’s not going to work on Apple Music or Spotify. Spotify, for example, pays HFA for the mechanical license for songs used on their platform in the United States, so you do not have to worry about securing a mechanical license if you’re only releasing to Spotify. After you’ve given us the song(s) you’re covering on your release, we track down the rights owner and provide you with a confirmation to purchase the licenses. COVER SONG A cover song is any new performance or recording of a song that was previously written, recorded, and released by someone else. However, getting a license for YouTube could be down through We Are The Hits. This is part two in our look at how to effectively use cover songs and Youtube to promote your music. I am good enough in singing can I upload a cover song on YouTube , but I don’t have any license. Learn more about how royalty rates are determined. The statutory mechanical royalty rates are set by the Copyright Royalty Board. To clarify this a little further: For the third post in this series, we’re taking a look at cover songs. Loudr and Easy Song Licensing are independent services that charge a small service fee (about $15 per song) to secure a mechanical license for any song that you’d like to cover. Which brings me to my next point… 4. I am good enough in singing can I upload a cover song on YouTube , but I don’t have any license. ... Cover Song Licensing Easily obtain 100% of the rights you need to release any cover song in 1-2 business days. You actually can get paid for youtube video covers but must sign up through https://www.wearethehits.com/ . Cover Songs: Performing and Recording Them Legally by Sue Basko See also: Recording a Cover Song: Most Basic Things in Music Law #1 See also: Cover Songs on Youtube … Why would it get pulled if the copyright notification states roughly that, "YouTube will simply pay royalties to the publishers from the monies collected through ads displayed on your video.". The ISRC code is a unique 12-character alphanumeric code assigned to each version/mix of a recording (ie. Quick answer: You can, but there are some risks to posting cover songs on YouTube. Licensing Music: Cover Songs, Samples, and Public Domain by Chris Robley | July 23, 2010 Just as driving a school bus, flying an airplane, and operating heavy machinery (legally!) I hope this helps! Because streaming services like Spotify already pay licensing fees, you don’t have to cover them on your license. If you’re planning to do a cover of a popular song, chances are that many other artists have or will cover the same song. I've been having the hardest time getting a response from Sony, Warner BMG and it's been very frustrating. 15 years of advice, inspiration and resources for musicians navigating the new music industry delivered right to your inbox. ISRC Managers appointed by the US ISRC Agency, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), are the only companies approved to assign ISRCs on behalf of the owner of a recording. Watch the intro video (1:50) Clear Cover Songs. Clear music for YouTube, film, stage, print, advertising, cover songs and more. Previously undiscovered talent have gone on to land brand sponsorships, live performances with major recording artists, appearances on TV, casting in commercials, and more-- all without the backing of a major record label. For example, if you will sell 1,000 CDs, then you’ll pay 9.1¢ x 1,000 = $91 per cover song, which will then be paid to the publisher(s) to compensate the songwriter(s). If you’re releasing onlyto major interactive streaming platforms, then you may not have to secure a license because most of these companies pay HFA or MRI already. When licensing covers that you’ll just offer for free online (streaming or download), you will still need to obtain a license so that the original songwriter(s) get paid. How do you get your cover songs out for the world to hear legally and make money from it too. A cover is when you re-record a song using your own instrumentation and vocals. A compulsory license is obtainable for any song that has already been previously recorded and sold with the consent of the original musical composition copyright holder. Dae is also an educator at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA); California State University, Northridge (CSUN); and SAE Institute Los Angeles (SAE) where he teaches music business and music industry entrepreneurship. What is a Mechanical License? This post originally appeared on Dozmia's blog. Before you grab your mic and camera to launch your own cover music channel, here are 5 tips to help you connect with some of YouTube’s nearly 2 billion monthly users! I believe in Australia and other countries the laws are slightly different. Definitely secure a license if you’re releasing a cover song as a digital download. Since YouTube is a video platform, you would technically need a synchronization license to legally post a cover there. In Part 2, we talked about eight different royalties you can collect from your songs. There's a lovely cover of "Demons" by Imagine Dragons, which is sung by Neela Bhurtun, and I'd like to use it in a fanvid. For example, LANDR now offers cover song licensing for only $15. (Performance Rights Organization) for more information on this. Generally speaking, you wont or shouldn’t get flagged just for doing a cover of a song, as long as it is known it’s not your original song or direct duplicate of the song. When you record a cover of an existing song, you are effectively using someone else’s copyrighted work and they must be compensated for the use when you distribute the recording in physical and/or digital media. YouTube will simply pay royalties to the publishers from the monies collected through ads displayed on your video." Will I get money for my cover song. If you’ve read the above and want to ensure you have permission to do cover songs from the original owner, the next step is to get in contact with them. Streaming covers on YouTube. $ is split with publishers. If they then record a live album with that cover song, is it the same or any different than the current arrangement? The mechanical license only covers the audio portion of your YouTube cover. The song’s copyright owner must give you a mechanical license if you pay a royalty fee based on estimated revenue from your cover song. 1. When applying for a license, you’ll have to estimate how many downloads you’ll … That's why you keep 100% of your hard-earned revenues when you sell music, merch & tickets through your Bandzoogle website. Under copyright law, you cannot alter the underlying melody or arrangement of the original version of the song. Youtube has made it very easy. Here are some of the income streams associated with the master sound recording and how you obtain the royalties: Now that you’re an expert on legally recording and selling cover songs, share the knowledge with your musician friends! When applying for a license, you’ll have to estimate how many downloads you’ll give away and streaming sites you’ll distribute the track to. If it is a song by a small independent artist, the cost of a license could be between $50 and $150. I tried looking on you tube for simple confirmation and instruction guide as to how and what to do to get going on that but never found the info. Releasing cover songs for free. Olivia Rodrigo - drivers license (Official Video) - YouTube You'll be paid revenue for these vid Thank you, G.T.Mac and MOSSA-BAND: What about if it is a video collage? This video will evaluate their pricing models. Like I mentioned above, Spotify is already paying this to HFA and other services are paying Music Reports, Inc. (MRI), which is a rights administrator that represents a number of digital music platforms. Loudr and Easy Song Licensing are independent services that charge a small service fee (about $15 per song) to secure a mechanical license for any song that you’d like to cover. However, if you change the lyrics, the fundamental melody (general rearrangement is allowed however), or otherwise don't fit within the compulsory law limitations, custom licensing is necessary. Do you mean your personal performance of a cover version of someone else’s song? One thing to keep in mind is that if you’d like to release two different versions of the same song (for example, a punk rock version and an EDM version of "My Girl"), you would need two separate licenses. Hey @ Smells Like Seattle, just sent you an email to reply to your comment. I've been trying to get info on what to do when you want to use someone else's cover song in your video. How to Get Rights to Cover a Song. Mechanical License: This is what you'll need if you want to release a cover version of a song or sample/interpolate it. In order to legally post videos to YouTube, you will need a synch license, which can be acquired from the PRO like BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC. How to Cover Songs on YouTube - Tips from a Singer & Lawyer!! HFA is a membership-based mechanical licensing agency owned by SESAC. To make song covers for YouTube legally, you need a mechanical license in addition to a synchronization license. The term “mechanical” refers to when songs were mechanically reproduced in phonorecords. No artist should be afraid to record and release cover songs -- unless you’re releasing to YouTube, because that’s a different beast! @ Smells Like Seattle TECHNICLLY and legally speaking you absolutely 100% can not put any kind of video together for a cover without proper licensing in place. Its just for promotion to get gigs. To release a cover song, you need to enter a bit of info. To release a cover song, you need to enter a bit of info. YouTube Music cover songs: it’s kinda our thing. Again, they pay this to HFA so you don’t have to! Easy Song Licensing charges $14.99 service fee for one song, $13.99 for 6-10 songs. Do I need a license for this? About Easy Song Licensing. Besides the one-time licensing charge of $9.99 per cover song, Soundrop has no annual, delivery, or account fees. Flying under the radar seems like a dangerous strategy now that I have an established YouTube channel -- and it bugs me that there's no easy, realistic, obvious way to handle the licensing to benefit all parties. Are re-recorded versions of a recording, but at Soundstripe we make it.. Owned by SESAC are a really gray area to some extent '' and pulled! On behalf of their music heard as wide and as far as possible in our look at how get... You would technically need a synchronization license ’ thanks for this - does this apply for the number physical! Us at support @ bandzoogle.com per stream no annual, delivery, or Twitter don ’ t selling! Problems with Content ID, AFM & SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property rights Distribution Fund: it ’ s kinda thing. Is it necessary to get a synch license to legally post a cover is when you do — the. 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