What do you call a cover of a song?
In popular music, a cover version, cover song, remake, revival, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording by a musician other than the original performer or composer of the song.
What cover song means?
A cover song is a new performance or recording of a previously recorded song by someone other than the original artist or composer. The new recording is typically similar to the original song in terms of structure, though the arrangement may differ.
Is doing a cover of a song copyright infringement?
Thousands of times a month, someone posts a cover song on YouTube. And whether the video is a live band performance or a toddler singing from her high chair, most of those cover songs are posted without permission from the song’s copyright holder—meaning they’re infringing someone’s copyright.
Why are songs called covers?
The term “cover” goes back decades when cover version originally described a rival version of a tune recorded to compete with the recently released (original) version. The Chicago Tribune described the term in 1952: “trade jargon meaning to record a tune that looks like a potential hit on someone else’s label.”
Is a remix a cover?
A remix uses source material from an existing, recorded piece of music, which has been re-arranged with technology, changes made to that sound and extra material added. A cover is a new performance of the same piece, usually with some changes to instrumentation, styling and approach.
Is it legal to cover a song without permission?
You Don’t Need Permission to Cover a Song A common misconception in the music industry is that you need to receive permission from the original composer in order to record a cover version of their song. However, US copyright law makes it much easier than that for artists wishing to cover a piece of music.
Are covers allowed on Spotify?
Of course, it’s not legal to just toss any cover song up on Spotify — you need to obtain the publishing rights first. For artists on labels, Spotify will often clear publishing rights depending on its terms of agreement with the artists’ distributors.
How do I license cover a song?
In the U.S., there are three ways to obtain a mechanical license for a cover song: (1) through the compulsory licensing procedure established by law; (2) from the Harry Fox Agency if they administer the musical composition for the song; or (3) directly from the publisher of the song.
How do you release a cover song?
To record a song for release to the public, a performer must obtain permission from the music publisher of the song and pay a fee, called a mechanical royalty. A mechanical royalty must be paid when songs are reproduced, for example on compact discs or records.
Can anyone cover a song?
The system is called compulsory licensing. […] Anyone can cover anyone else’s song, and its creator cannot say no (that’s the compulsory part). But if you do cover a song, you must pay a royalty to the song’s creator (that’s the licensing part).
Can I release a cover song for free?
If a cover song is given away for free, permission from the copyright holder doesn’t need to be obtained. Myth #1 is a common misconception. If you are recording a cover song, you’re required to get a license from the copyright owner, regardless of whether you are going to sell it or give it away for free.
Are covers copyrighted?
Anyone can cover anyone else’s song, and its creator cannot say no (that’s the compulsory part). But if you do cover a song, you must pay a royalty to the song’s creator (that’s the licensing part).
Is it legal to make covers?
You need a mechanical license from the original writer or publisher to record and release cover songs. However, musicians don’t need a license to cover a song live, it is the responsibility of the venue. The content in this article is just a general overview of the topic and should not be considered legal advice.