Forwards For Cover Songs

[billg]

Hey all. I had never considered recording a cover song but there was a dispatch listing that was just too tempting to ignore, I worked up a rendition of a song I had performed live for years and it was forwarded. My assumption is that since I'm not offering it for sale or anything if it's used all of the legal stuff associated with using a cover tune will be handled by someone else . . . right? The listing was for a premium cable tv series so I'm guessing if it was used there wouldn't be much money offered (for a cover). Anyone out there have any experience, knowledge, or info concerning cover tune placements? thanks -billg

[sgs4u]

Congrats Bill! Perfect listing for someone who like yourself. Good work getting it done on time. Since they wanted a cover, they probably have some kind of plan to be able to pay for a new recording, AND the original publishers/writers. (but do I know anything?) Let us know if you get a call back. I'm cheering loudly for you, from way over here on the other side of the continent! Can you hear me!steve

[billg]

Thanks Steve, you're coming in loud and clear! I'm hoping that with a cover the actual song is taken out of the equation (heck I didn't write it so it has to be good!) & since the screeners thought my take on it was good enough to forward that just maybe it'll be easier to get a placement in a situation like this. I'll keep you posted if it happens, Thanks again -billg

[gitarrero]

I was offered a deal through taxi for a cover song I've recorded.note that to use a song two things basically needs to be cleared (as steve already mentioned):1. does the publisher/writer agree that the song is used (e.g. in a commercial or whatever the use is).2. does the owner of the recording ("the master") agree that the song is used.but yes, from time to time cover songs are needed. far more often "sound-alikes" (diffrent composition, but sounds like an existing song/hit) are needed to replace original songs in movies.congrats on your forward & good luck!cheers,Martin

[billg]

Well, the recording is mine so that part is cool. Not much I can do about it if the writer doesn't allow the use so I guess I just wait . . . and wait . . . and wait. Seems like I spend a lot of time waiting these days! Thanks again - billg

[gitarrero]

Quote:Well, the recording is mine so that part is cool. Not much I can do about it if the writer doesn't allow the use so I guess I just wait . . . and wait . . . and wait. Seems like I spend a lot of time waiting these days! Thanks again - billgfocus on writing new songs instead of "active" waiting - we can't take control over some (big) parts in the process of getting a placement, so let's take care of the parts we can control.just a thought..;)martin

[matto]

I can't remember this listing offhand but if they were asking for a cover of a specific song, they most likely know they can clear the publishing side of it, maybe they already have. It's even quite possible that the reason they placed this listing is that they tried to clear the original master and it was too expensive.A couple things to keep in mind when submitting covers:- You won't get any performance royalties when your song airs; these go to the writer(s)/publisher(s), so you won't get any backend money, just the upfront master license fee (unless it's a PD song, in which case you can get performance royalties for your arrangement of it)- Producers and directors are notorious for changing their minds, so even if you submitted the perfect cover of the song...they might change their minds altogether about using the song and replace it with something completely different. Or even cut the scene in which it was supposed to have played This is why agree with Martin that waiting on forwards is pointless. Keep writing, keep submitting, don't get your expectations up, and BAM! before you know it stuff will start happening.matto

[liamkelly]

Quote:Hey all. I had never considered recording a cover song but there was a dispatch listing that was just too tempting to ignore, I worked up a rendition of a song I had performed live for years and it was forwarded. My assumption is that since I'm not offering it for sale or anything if it's used all of the legal stuff associated with using a cover tune will be handled by someone else . . . right? The listing was for a premium cable tv series so I'm guessing if it was used there wouldn't be much money offered (for a cover). Anyone out there have any experience, knowledge, or info concerning cover tune placements? thanks -billgBillI think you may be someone I corresponded with a while ago - maybe a year. You had a song called Crown of Thorns? If it's you I'd appreciate a link to the track (happy to pay for it) - a great tune. Did a Dylan thing for me. If not, sorry - wrong house!! I'd make a terrible mailman!Liam Kellywww.myspace.com/liamkellymusic

[billg]

Yup, that's me! I've included the link for Crown Of Thorns below, it's my understanding that you can download from that link. Any problems just send shoot an email & I'll send it to you. Thanks for the compliment & for remembering the song!Here's the link to Crown Of Thornshttp://www.broadjam.com/transmit/transmi....9847&yhgbndsq=1The listing for the cover tunes just said they wanted covers from the 60's & 70's. There were several listings for music going to the same destination & one of them mentioned Van Morrison & Bob Dylan so I sent a cover of Van Morrison's "Into The Mystic" mostly because I had been singing that song in a live situation for years. Also the music is simple enough that I thought I could pull it off without any outside help since I only had one evening to do it. Thanks to all for the info. -billgoh, here's a link to "mystic"http://www.broadjam.com/transmit/transm ... yhgbndsq=1