A cover song (also known as a cover version) is a new recording or performance of a previously released song by someone other than the original artist or composer. In other words, if you record or release your own version of a song that someone else wrote, it’s considered a cover song.
Here are a few examples of cover song releases by Too Lost artists:
- Example 1: “Somewhere Only We Know” by Gustinxa and rhianne is a cover of “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane
- Example 2: “Ghost” by Josiah and the Bonnevilles is a cover of “Ghost” by Justin Bieber
- Example 3: “Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)” by Jillian Dawn is a cover of “Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)” by Christina Aguilera
In order to distribute a cover song through Too Lost, you need to acquire a cover song license, which you can do directly through your Too Lost account.
Cover Song Licensing Overview
Whenever you use music that someone else created (whether you’re reproducing, distributing, or performing it) you must obtain the proper license. For cover songs, this license is called a mechanical license, which grants you permission to use the composition (the underlying melody and lyrics) in an audio-only format. The composition is typically owned or controlled by the songwriter, publisher, or both. This license cannot be used for a music video or other visual format.
The Compulsory Mechanical Licensing Law allows anyone to legally record and distribute a new version of an existing song, even without direct approval from the copyright holder. This law is designed to encourage creativity and ensure fair access to musical works.
If you request a license directly from a publisher, they may set any fee or deny your request altogether. However, under the Compulsory Law, the copyright owner cannot refuse to issue a mechanical license, as long as you follow the proper procedures and pay the required statutory royalties.
A Notice of Intention (NOI) is a legal document required under Section 115 of the U.S. Copyright Act. It notifies the copyright owner of your intent to record or distribute their composition. Sending an NOI and paying the statutory royalty rate are necessary steps in obtaining a compulsory mechanical license.
When you secure a cover song license through Too Lost, this process is handled for you. Too Lost automatically sends the NOI and manages the required payments on your behalf.
How to License a Cover Song Through Too Lost
Too Lost makes it simple to obtain a cover song license directly through your Too Lost account. We’ve partnered with Easy Song Licensing to provide an integrated and efficient way for artists, labels, and creators to legally distribute their cover versions.
For more information about how to distribute a cover song through Too Lost, please see our Help Center article here: How Do I Distribute a Cover Song?
What If the Song I’m Trying to Cover Is In the Public Domain?
If the song you are trying to cover is in the public domain, you may not need to obtain a cover song license. For more information, please see our Help Center article here: What is Public Domain?
What Cannot Be Licensed
Cover song licenses cannot be used for the following:
- Samples: Cover song licenses do not cover samples. More info here: Can I Release Music With Samples?
- Remixes, DJ mixes, medleys, mashups, etc.: These require separate licensing. More info here: Can I Release Remixes or DJ Mixes with Too Lost?
- Derivative works: More info here: What is a Derivative Work?
- Public domain songs. More info here: What is Public Domain?
- Songs used in a film score that were never released separately from the soundtrack.
- Songs included in a video game that were never released separately from the game soundtrack.