This document outlines the 4-step process for obtaining permission to record a cover song: 1. Contact the copyright owner with your intent to record, including details about your project. 2. The copyright owner will issue a mechanical license granting permission to record and release the cover song in exchange for statutory royalty fees. 3. Pay the license fee, which is a set rate per copy sold as determined by law (e.g. $91 for an initial run of 1000 CDs). 4. Once licensed and paid, you can record, market and sell the cover song, continuing to pay mechanical royalties based on ongoing sales. Maintaining accurate sales records is important.

3. 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…

4. 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 & release
song!

5. Contact Copyright Owner
With Intent to Record
The first step is to actually contact the person or company that
owns the copyright.
CONTACT THE
PUBLISHER!

6. 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 Office
www.copyright.gov

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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:

11. Hugh Hession
Owner/Editor
hugh@makingitinmusic.net
FB: makingitinmusic
Twitter: makingitinmusic
Linkedin: hughhession
Voting member, The
Recording Academy,
The Grammys
Professional
member,
NARIP
Artist/Performance Coaching & Development * LLC Formation
Music Business Consultation (Skype/Email) * Speaking/Panels