Distributing Cover Songs and Remixes through Revelator

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 else you need to obtain an authorization from the original lyricist(s).
• Any changes to the lyrics or melody creates a derivative work which requires a license/authorization 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 it would require a license/authorization from the original master reocrding rights holders.

4. A License May Be Required

Depending on the country from where the original recording originates, you will need to obtain the following license: 

• The world except for Mexico, India or Pakistan: if you plan on distributing your cover to download stores such as iTunes or Amazon, you must obtain a mechanical license from a service like Easy Song. You do not need a mechanical license if you are only going to distribute your cover to streaming or rights management (UGC) DSPs.
• Mexico, India or Pakistan: a license/authorization is required regardless of usage (download, streaming, etc.):
  • ‍Mexico: you can acquire a license from EMMACSACM
  • ‍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. However, you must NOT use something like "Mix" or "Remix". A cover and remix are different and mutually exclusive (please see further below for more information on remixes).
• All original songwriters/composers must be credited in the publishing contributor fields. You can find this information on websites like the Easysong search engine or the ASCAP/BMI Repertory. Keep in mind that if you fail to indicate 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 FAQ

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 license called a "master license".

What is a mechanical license?

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 on the platform requires a synchronization ‘sync’ license in addition to the mechanical license. YouTube’s licenses cover the reproduction and performing rights for most publishing catalogs. However, you must obtain synchronization 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 licenses. 

REMIX & DERIVATIVE WORK FAQ

Revelator requires all partners to ensure their clients obtain proper license 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. Some common types of remixes include:

• Extended Mix: This version 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 of the original track, often created for radio play. It typically omits longer instrumental sections or repetitions.

• Club Mix: These are remixes specifically tailored for playing in nightclubs. They often emphasize the beat and bass, making them more danceable.

• Acoustic Remix: This version strips away electronic elements and emphasizes acoustic instruments, giving the track a more organic feel.

• Instrumental Remix: The vocals are removed from the original track, focusing solely on the instrumental elements.

• Vocal Remix: This type might focus on enhancing or reworking the vocal elements of the original track.

• Mashup: This involves combining elements from two or more existing songs to create a new, unique composition.

• Bootleg Remix: These are 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 sometimes lead to copyright issues.

What licenses are required?

In order to properly license a remix, you need to obtain permission from both the songwriter (or music publisher) and the artist (or record label).  There is no compulsory license for a remix, and obtaining a proper license will secure the payment of the royalties to the original artists and songwriter(s). Typically, 

How can I get a proper license for a remixed song?

Via the record label and publishing company of the original recording/song. This is the most recommended way, and most companies have a process in place for such licensing:

• Labels will obtain permission from the respective labels and publishers in order to create the remix/mashup (the DSPs do not have the authority to obtain this permission).

• Once the labels obtain the necessary permissions for the remix/mashup, they can distribute through DSPs (the DSPs will obtain the mechanical license).

 
Generally, DSPs will acquire mechanical licenses for the content distributed to their platforms. Therefore, remixers only need to obtain permission from the record label to remix the master recording.

If you need further information please contact us.