Music Knowledge
What Is a Cover Song?
Cover songs explained: when you can legally record a cover, how mechanical licences work, and how to release a cover without legal trouble.
A cover song is a new recording of a song that someone else wrote. Recording and releasing a cover is legal in most territories as long as you obtain a mechanical licence for the composition and pay the writer the required royalties.
The rules for covers
You don't need the original artist's permission to record a cover — the composition's mechanical rights are licensed compulsorily in many countries once the song is released. You pay a statutory royalty per copy or stream.
What you cannot copy is the original recording's arrangement in a way that imitates the master — create your own performance.
Also change the lyrics without permission: altering lyrics requires a special licence.
Getting a mechanical licence
Licensing agencies offer automatic mechanical licences for covers. You report usage and pay royalties, often via the platform or distributor.
Zaventra Music Group can help you navigate cover-song licensing so your release is compliant from day one.
Streaming covers
Streaming platforms report cover streams, and mechanical royalties flow to the original writer through licensing arrangements.
Note that some platforms require you to confirm a mechanical licence when uploading a cover, so keep your paperwork organised.
Key Points
- Covers need mechanical licences
- You may not imitate the original master
- Keep original lyrics
- Royalties go to the original writer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I monetise a cover song?
Yes, if properly licensed — streaming platforms and distributors handle the mechanical royalties for most releases.
Do I need the artist's permission?
Not for the composition, under compulsory licensing. You do need permission to use the original recording itself (sampling).
How much is a cover licence?
Statutory mechanical rates apply, usually paid per unit sold or per stream via the licensing system.