submitting re-imagined cover song what to look out for?

[Susanstunes]

Hi everyone,
I might go for the new listing due March 1 for the "re-imagined" cover song for film trailers. Is there anything to worry about in terms of copyright infringement? Is there something extra that needs to be filed on it so we don't get in trouble with the writer(s)?
Also, is it alright to change one itty bitty little word in the lyric?

Thanks for heads up advice!

Susan
http://www.taxi.com/susanhillman

[hummingbird]

Hi Susan, since the listing party is looking for reimagined covers of hit songs, I think they would be the ones to worry about licencing the use of the track for their use, should you get a deal. On our end I would avoid posting the version online publicly. They asked that the melody and lyric not be changed, I believe. As long as the word you want to change isn't in the title/hook it might be ok but if in doubt best to ask TAXI.

[Cruciform]

Hi Susan,

For trailer covers, you can typically change small words, even re-arrange the song as long as the melody remains fairly true. We've been requested to do covers that use only one line from the original song.

Several things that are very important for trailer covers is to not think in terms of radio songs or underscore placements. Trailer songs need to build along an arc. In terms of energy and orchestration, visualise a curve upwards from low to medium to big. And make the production feel larger than life. Even if you go for a very minimal arrangement you'll still want to get the ambience big. Use reverb and delay. Listen to all the ref songs. They all build, they all use larger-than-life aesthetics.

Don't worry about copyright infringement. That's actually the whole point. Before a cover can be used, the music supervisor will negotiate permission and synch fee with the original publisher/writer. They will then negotiate the master use fee with the library that's holding your version.

[Susanstunes]

Thanks for the detailed resonses. And I will be working at getting those techniques into my track!
Susan

[edmondredd]

I was wondering about the same, but won't be submitting for this listing, since I'm working on an epic orchestral/hybrid-ish turnaround of a cover.
But I was thinking of how things should be done.
If I'm getting a female singer, should she be considered as a co-writer or as a wfh musician?
I'm also guessing I can't post it on any social media? But again how come there's a lot of music covers on YT for example?

[hummingbird]

If I'm getting a female singer, should she be considered as a co-writer or as a wfh musician?

That's up to you. Usually a singer who is singing existing melody and lyric arranged by you, would be a work for hire. However often people will collaborate as a way of paying each other for their contributions.

I'm also guessing I can't post it on any social media? But again how come there's a lot of music covers on YT for example?

Yes, it could be pulled down for copyright infringement if someone complains.

[edmondredd]

Thank you Vikky,
So I'll just keep it to myself and submit it whenever there's a Taxi listing then!
I was considering the wfh since it makes more sense in this case, but I'll check.. I still need to find the right voice
Thanks again

[Cruciform]

I still need to find the right voice

I'll email you.