permission to record a cover song
DESCRIPTION
Ever wonder how to go about getting the approval to record your favorite cover song? Making it in Music's Hugh Hession gives you everything you need to know in this presentation.The Step by Step Guide on How to Get Permission to Record a Cover Song.TRANSCRIPT
In fact, by law, ANYONE can record a cover
song that has previously been released to
the public by the original copyright holder.
YES!
And this is how ya do it…
THE 4-STEP PROCESS: GETTING PERMISSION TO RECORD A COVER SONG
Contact copyright owner with intent to record
Copyright owner issues license
Pay license fee (Statutory Rate)
Record & releasesong!
Contact Copyright Owner With Intent to RecordThe first step is to actually contact the person or company that owns the copyright.
CONTACT THE PUBLISHER!
How to Contact the Publisher?One of the best ways to search for a publisher is through the three major performing rights organizations. They all have online search.
Shows publishers and contact info!
ALSO – U.S. Copyright Officewww.copyright.gov
What Do I Need to Include When I Contact the Publisher?
• Name of song you want to record• Name of label (if applicable)• Name of your band• Release date of song or album• Format (CD’s, digital download etc.)• Contact info (very important)• Distribution info (iTunes, Amazon etc.) • Any other pertinent info
Copyright Owner Issues License
The copyright owner will issue what is called a Mechanical License, giving you the right to record and release (sell) the cover song. You will pay a fixed rate per copy sold which is governed by law. Typically, you will account to the publisher (s) every quarter, however payment schedules vary.
Say you wanted an initial run of 1000 CD’s, This is what you would pay:
9.1 cents per copy: 091 X 1000 = $91.00
Songs over 5 minutes are going to be calculated at 1.75 cents:
Ex. 6 minute song: .0175 X 6 = 10.5 cents
Pay License Fee
Record and Release Song
After you sign the Mechanical License and pay the applicable fees as needed, you are free to record, market and sell the cover song for a profit. Remember, you will continually have to pay your mechanical fees based on your sales so it is essential you keep good sales records.
FYI:
Hugh Hession
Owner/Editor
[email protected]: makingitinmusicTwitter: makingitinmusicLinkedin: hughhession
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