Licenses for Cover Songs?

[shellsings]

How many of you actually get licenses for cover songs?

I know you need a Mechanical license if you are going to distribute on a Cd, but Harry Fox and LImelight also claim you need one for streaming, downloads etc.

If you are pitching to Film and TV, will they music supe get the license for you?

Just wondering whachya all do. pretty cheap for a streaming license so it does not hurt to get that.

[chrismichols]

Very good question. I was just going to start a thread regarding this matter.

I just submitted two cover songs for a listing asking for covers.
But I have no idea of how it works legally.

Can I get paid for licensing a cover-song?
Do I have to get permission to use the song?
All the backend goes to the writer, right?

[burpo]

I actually used to work in pre-production.
I think those putting together the show or film
have the chores and budget for song rights and clearances.

[shellsings]

Here is an article I read on the subject

http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/2011/04/c ... royalties/


Its pretty cheap through limelight http://www.songclearance.com/clearance for streaming rights.

But yeah I think the music supe or project gets the rights for things like publishing, hard press, digital media.

[T&V Marino]

Hi Michelle,

It depends on what you're covering the song for. Will it be on your CD that you'll be selling on CD Baby or to give to friends? Will you be shopping the song as a demo for a major label to release? Is this for a film/TV placement? In this particular case, the Music Supervisor will be the one who will need to get the clearances for it.

And to answer the questions from Chris: Yes, you can make some serious money on a cover if it catches on. Yes, you DO have to get permission. It's easy to do -- contact the publisher or you can contact the PRO (BMI, ASCAP or SESAC) where the song was registered to get this information. And, yes, the writer/publisher will collect the back-end, but the person putting the cover together would now be considered an "arranger."

A guy from our town, Gary Jules, did a cover of the Tears For Fears song "Mad World" a few years ago. He recorded it in a friend's home studio for about $100 and has made A TON OF MONEY from that song getting it placed on things like CSI promos and shows, etc.

~ Tracey Marino

[Kolstad]

Thanks for this thread, Michelle. I've been wondering the same q's myself, and have been reluctant to do covers, as I did not know how to handle it. At least now I know for streaming purposes, Limelight looks awesome!

So, if you are to approach a publisher with this. How do you do that? Just send them an email with your inquiry, providing information along the line of what Limelight needs? Are there standard fees/ contracts one should be aware of?

[Mark Crozer]

Hi Michelle,
A guy from our town, Gary Jules, did a cover of the Tears For Fears song "Mad World" a few years ago. He recorded it in a friend's home studio for about $100 and has made A TON OF MONEY from that song getting it placed on things like CSI promos and shows, etc.

~ Tracey Marino

Wow. Yeah... I remember that. It was released as a single in the UK and went to Number 1 at Christmas about five years ago now (as a result of being in the Donnie Darko soundtrack I think.) I bought a copy! I even prefer it the original. You're right... if you do a cover well, give it a new lease of life, it could be a very nice earner - assuming you can get people to hear it!

I recorded three covers recently and was wondering about the licencing situation should I choose to release them... From what I understand you simply need to go to Limelight and do it through them... or am I missing something?

Thanks

Mark

[cardell]

Thanks for this thread, Michelle. I've been wondering the same q's myself, and have been reluctant to do covers, as I did not know how to handle it.

Me too! Thanks Michelle.

Stuart