Cover Songs: What Licences Are Needed?
A cover song is any recording of a song originally written and/or recorded by another artist. To legally distribute a cover song through InterSpace Distribution, you must obtain the appropriate licence.
What Licence Do I Need?
Mechanical Licence
A mechanical licence gives you the right to record and distribute a new version of a copyrighted song. For digital distribution, you need a mechanical licence for every cover song you distribute.
Where to Get a Mechanical Licence
- DistroKid Cover Song Licensing (covers US distribution)
- Easy Song (easysong.com) — global coverage
- MusixMatch / Songfile — for licensing in multiple territories
- Contact the music publisher directly for large catalogue covers
Licensing typically costs a per-unit fee based on the number of streams expected.
What You Do NOT Need a Licence For
- Performing a cover song live on stage (that is covered by venue licences)
- A cover song you wrote yourself — meaning you wrote both the melody and lyrics (that is an original song, not a cover)
What About Public Domain Songs?
Songs whose copyright has expired are in the public domain and do not require a mechanical licence. In most countries, copyright lasts 70 years after the death of the last surviving author. However, be careful — a public domain composition may still have a copyrighted recording.
What Happens If I Upload Without a Licence?
Distributing a cover song without a mechanical licence violates copyright law and InterSpace Distribution policy. The release may be:
- Rejected during QC review
- Taken down following a copyright claim
- Subject to royalty withholding
Always obtain your mechanical licence before submitting a cover song for distribution.