This guide explains the requirements and licensing rules for distributing cover songs and remixes through InterSpace. Read it carefully before submitting — covers and remixes have different rules, and the wrong metadata or a missing licence can get your release rejected or taken down.
Cover song requirements
To distribute a cover song, all of the following must be met:
1. Prior release
The original song must have been previously released to the public.
2. Faithful recording
The cover recording must be a new performance of the original composition, and:
- You must NOT change the melody or lyrics — including truncating the lyrics or changing their order.
- You must NOT translate the lyrics into another language — or you need to obtain authorisation from the original lyricist(s).
- Any changes to the lyrics or melody create a derivative work, which requires a licence/authorisation from the original publishing rights holders.
- Instrumental versions are allowed.
- Minimal arrangement changes are allowed.
3. No sampling of the original recording
You must not use any part of the original master recording. That would constitute sampling and requires a licence/authorisation from the original master recording rights holders.
4. A licence may be required
Depending on the country from which the original recording originates, you may need to obtain a licence:
- The world except Mexico, India, or Pakistan: if you plan on distributing your cover to download stores such as iTunes or Amazon, you must obtain a mechanical licence from a service like Easy Song. You do not need a mechanical licence if you are only distributing your cover to streaming or rights management (UGC) DSPs.
- Mexico, India, or Pakistan: a licence/authorisation is required regardless of usage (download, streaming, etc.):
- Mexico: you can acquire a licence from EMMAC/SACM.
- India and Pakistan: contact the rights holder directly.
5. Metadata requirements
- The title must NOT include the original artist's name.
- Do NOT mention the original artist in any of the artist fields (unless they actually participated in the current recording).
- It is recommended (but not required) that you indicate "Cover" in the version field. You must NOT use something like "Mix" or "Remix" — a cover and a remix are different and mutually exclusive.
- All original songwriters/composers must be credited in the publishing contributor fields. The fastest way to find this information is in Spotify's track credits, but for older recordings you can also check the Easy Song search engine or the ASCAP/BMI Repertory. Note: if you fail to credit the original composers/lyricists for a recording from Brazil, Brazilian law allows these rights holders to sue you for damages.
6. Track Origin
You must indicate "Cover song" in the Track Origin field.
Cover song FAQs
What is a cover song?
Common usage of the term "cover song" refers to a new recording of an existing song by a musician who is not the original composer or recording artist. A cover song must be a "faithful rendition" — no change in melody, arrangement, or lyrics (including translating them) — and the original song must be distributed or offered to the public by the original artist or their record label before the cover version is recorded. A cover song must not include any part of the original master recording; that would make the song a remix or a mashup that requires another licence called a "master licence".
What is a mechanical licence?
The term "mechanical" refers to when songs are mechanically reproduced in physical formats like vinyl and CDs, and in digital formats such as interactive streaming and downloads. Mechanical royalties come from the composition copyright.
Releasing a cover song on YouTube / VEVO
Given that YouTube/VEVO is an audiovisual platform, distributing a cover song as part of an audiovisual work requires a synchronisation ("sync") licence in addition to the mechanical licence. YouTube's licences cover the reproduction and performing rights for most publishing catalogs. However, you must obtain synchronisation rights separately if you are uploading premium music video (PMV) content. For any audio-only content delivered to YouTube, including user-generated content (UGC), you are not responsible for publishing licences.
Remix & derivative work FAQs
InterSpace requires all partners to ensure their clients obtain proper licences for the distribution of any remix or "derivative work".
What is a remix / derivative work?
A remix is a reimagined or altered version of an existing piece of music, typically created by modifying elements like tempo, key, instrumentation, or vocal arrangements. It's a form of artistic reinterpretation, where a producer or musician takes an original recording and uses it as a foundation to create something new and distinctive.
Remixes can take many forms, ranging from subtle alterations to radical transformations. Common types include:
- Extended Mix: Extends the length of the original track by repeating certain sections or adding new elements to create a longer, dance-friendly version.
- Radio Edit: A shorter, more concise version, often created for radio play. Typically omits longer instrumental sections or repetitions.
- Club Mix: Tailored for nightclub play, emphasising the beat and bass to make the track more danceable.
- Acoustic Remix: Strips away electronic elements and emphasises acoustic instruments, giving the track a more organic feel.
- Instrumental Remix: Vocals are removed from the original track, focusing solely on the instrumental elements.
- Vocal Remix: Focuses on enhancing or reworking the vocal elements of the original track.
- Mashup: Combines elements from two or more existing songs to create a new, unique composition.
- Bootleg Remix: Unofficial, unauthorized remixes often created by fans or amateur producers.
Remixes provide a way for artists and producers to put their own creative spin on existing material, creating something that appeals to a different audience or serves a different purpose. It's worth noting that while some remixes are officially sanctioned by the original artist or record label, others may be created and distributed without permission, which can lead to copyright issues.
What licences are required?
In order to properly licence a remix, you need to obtain permission from both the songwriter (or music publisher) and the artist (or record label). There is no compulsory licence for a remix, and obtaining a proper licence ensures that royalties are paid to the original artists and songwriter(s).
How can I get a proper licence for a remixed song?
The recommended route is via the record label and publishing company of the original recording. Most companies have a process in place for this:
- Labels obtain permission from the respective labels and publishers in order to create the remix or mashup. DSPs do not have the authority to obtain this permission.
- Once the necessary permissions are obtained, the remix can be distributed through DSPs, who will in turn obtain the mechanical licence.
- Generally, DSPs acquire mechanical licences for the content distributed to their platforms — so remixers typically only need to obtain permission from the record label to remix the master recording.