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Permission to record a cover song
This document outlines the 4-step process for obtaining permission to record a cover song: 1. Contact the copyright owner with your intent to record, including details about your project. 2. The copyright owner will issue a mechanical license granting permission to record and release the cover song in exchange for statutory royalty fees. 3. Pay the license fee, which is a set rate per copy sold as determined by law (e.g. $91 for an initial run of 1000 CDs). 4. Once licensed and paid, you can record, market and sell the cover song, continuing to pay mechanical royalties based on ongoing sales. Maintaining accurate sales records is important.
Permission to record a cover song
- 3. In fact, bylaw, ANYONE can record a cover song that has previously been released to the public by the original copyright holder. YES! And this is how ya do it…
- 4. THE 4-STEP PROCESS: GETTINGPERMISSION TO RECORD A COVER SONG Contact copyright owner with intent to record Copyright owner issues license Pay license fee (Statutory Rate) Record & release song!
- 5. Contact Copyright Owner WithIntent to Record The first step is to actually contact the person or company that owns the copyright. CONTACT THE PUBLISHER!
- 6. How to Contactthe Publisher? One of the best ways to search for a publisher is through the three major performing rights organizations. They all have online search. Shows publishers and contact info! ALSO – U.S. Copyright Office www.copyright.gov
- 7. What Do INeed to Include When I Contact the Publisher? • Name of song you want to record • Name of label (if applicable) • Name of your band • Release date of song or album • Format (CD’s, digital download etc.) • Contact info (very important) • Distribution info (iTunes, Amazon etc.) • Any other pertinent info
- 8. Copyright Owner Issues License Thecopyright owner will issue what is called a Mechanical License, giving you the right to record and release (sell) the cover song. You will pay a fixed rate per copy sold which is governed by law. Typically, you will account to the publisher (s) every quarter, however payment schedules vary.
- 9. Say you wantedan initial run of 1000 CD’s, This is what you would pay: 9.1 cents per copy: 091 X 1000 = $91.00 Songs over 5 minutes are going to be calculated at 1.75 cents: Ex. 6 minute song: .0175 X 6 = 10.5 cents Pay License Fee
- 10. Record and Release Song Afteryou sign the Mechanical License and pay the applicable fees as needed, you are free to record, market and sell the cover song for a profit. Remember, you will continually have to pay your mechanical fees based on your sales so it is essential you keep good sales records. FYI:
- 11. Hugh Hession Owner/Editor [email protected] FB: makingitinmusic Twitter:makingitinmusic Linkedin: hughhession Voting member, The Recording Academy, The Grammys Professional member, NARIP Artist/Performance Coaching & Development * LLC Formation Music Business Consultation (Skype/Email) * Speaking/Panels