Understanding Cover Song Licensing: What You Need To Know Before You Release
At Drum Arsenal Productions, I help artists record everything from original music to creative reinterpretations of well-loved songs. One of the most common conversations I have with clients is about cover songs: Can you record them? Can you upload them? Do you need a license? What if you change the arrangement?
If you have ever wondered how “legal” your cover release is or how complicated licensing really is, this guide will walk you through it in clear, practical language so you can confidently move forward with your music.
First: What Counts As a Cover Song?
A cover song is when you record and release your own version of someone else’s composition. You did not write the song, but you are performing and recording it.
If you are:
Recording a song already commercially released by someone else
Performing the lyrics and melody (even with stylistic differences)
Planning to release it digitally, physically, or publicly
You are dealing with music licensing.
Do I Need Permission To Record a Cover?
In the United States, you do not need permission to record a cover song. However…
You do need permission to distribute or sell it.
That permission comes through a mechanical license.
What Is a Mechanical License?
A mechanical license gives you legal permission to reproduce and distribute someone else's song. This applies when you:
Upload to Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Tidal, etc.
Sell downloads on Bandcamp
Release CDs or vinyl
Make the song available on platforms that allow streaming or downloads
The original songwriter still owns the composition, but your recording becomes your own “master.” The license ensures the songwriter gets paid mechanical royalties.
You can obtain a cover song mechanical license through services like:
Easy Song Licensing
Harry Fox Agency
Songfile
Some distributors handle it for you automatically - CD Baby, Distrokid
Each has slightly different processes and costs, but they exist to keep the process manageable for independent artists. Usually a mechanical license for runs about $10-30/year.
What About Streaming Platforms?
Streaming falls under mechanical licensing too.
Some distributors automatically handle mechanical licensing for cover songs shipped to Spotify and Apple Music. Others require you to obtain licensing beforehand. Always check with your distributor so you are fully compliant.
What About Posting Cover Songs On YouTube?
This is where the confusion comes in for many artists.
YouTube is video, which means you are now combining music with visuals. That requires sync licensing.
A sync license allows you to pair copyrighted music with video content. Legally, sync licenses must be approved directly by the publisher or copyright holder. Unlike mechanical licenses, there is no compulsory sync license in the U.S.
That said, many covers stay on YouTube because publishers monetize them through Content ID. But monetization and legality are not always the same thing. If you want guaranteed clearance, you need sync permission from the copyright holder.
What If I Change the Song?
“Faithful Cover” vs Derivative Work
A key question artists ask is:
“What if I change the key, tempo, or style?”
Good news:
You can absolutely rearrange the song creatively. Slowing it down, turning a pop song into a country vibe, changing instrumentation, swapping gender pronouns, or creating a stylistic reinterpretation is allowed.
However…
If you:
Change lyrics in a substantial and meaningful way
Rewrite melodies
Add new sections of music
Transform the song beyond recognizable form
You enter derivative work territory, which requires explicit permission from the copyright owner. A normal cover license does not cover derivative works.
If you are unsure, it is always better to ask. If you have a mechanical license on a derivative work, you risk having your songs pulled down, flagged, and legal action being taken by the original copyright holder. Better to play it safe here if the cover is expansive and changing.
Do I Need a License To Play Covers Live?
For live shows, the venue (club, bar, festival, church, etc.) is usually responsible for performance rights through PROs like:
ASCAP
BMI
SESAC
GMR
So if you are performing a cover live on stage, you generally do not need to handle anything yourself. The venue’s blanket license covers it.
What About Social Media?
Posting on:
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
These platforms also operate under agreements and Content ID systems similar to YouTube. Sometimes videos are monetized, muted, or taken down depending on the publisher’s rules. You technically still need sync permission, even if the platform allows the upload. Each social media site has their own policy and rules available to artists.
Quick Checklist: Before You Release a Cover
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
✔ Am I recording a song someone else wrote?
→ Get a mechanical license before distribution.
✔ Am I uploading to Spotify or Apple Music?
→ Confirm whether your distributor handles licensing or you need to secure it.
✔ Am I posting a music video of my cover?
→ This may require sync licensing.
✔ Am I dramatically changing lyrics or melody?
→ This may require publisher permission beyond a standard license.
✔ Am I playing it live on stage?
→ Usually covered by the venue’s PRO license.
Final Thought: Don’t Let Licensing Discourage You
Cover songs can be powerful tools for:
Building an audience
Honoring influences
Reaching new listeners
Creating content while developing original work
Licensing is part of being a professional musician, but it does not need to be intimidating. With the right guidance, you can stay compliant, respect songwriters, and confidently release your music. Cover songs are a great tool and open up millions of songs to what could be a new audience.
Ready To Record Your Next Cover (Or Original)?
At Drum Arsenal Productions, I work with artists every day navigating both the creative and practical sides of releasing great music. If you are planning a cover release and want professional drum tracks, full-song production, mixing, mastering, or guidance on the process, I would love to help.
Let’s make something you’re proud to release.
