Do musicians need permission to cover a song?

Answer. Everyone loves a cover song. To record a song for release to the public, a performer must obtain permission from the music publisher of the song and pay a fee, called a mechanical royalty. A mechanical royalty must be paid when songs are reproduced, for example on compact discs or records.

Do artists have to pay royalties for covers?

A “cover” is a new performance of a previously recorded song by someone other than the original artist with the lyrics and basic melody left intact. But if you do cover a song, you must pay a royalty to the song’s creator (that’s the licensing part).

Do song covers violate copyright?

And whether the video is a live band performance or a toddler singing from her high chair, most of those cover songs are posted without permission from the song’s copyright holder—meaning they’re infringing someone’s copyright. If the copyright owner complains, YouTube may remove your video.

Do you have to pay to cover a song live?

Dear Music Lawyer, However, it is generally the responsibility of the venue owner (i.e., the presenter of the public performance), not the performer, to obtain a public performance license and pay any required licensing fees. …

What are the rules for covering a song?

When someone records and releases a song, you are free to do your own cover version of that song by obtaining a mechanical or “compulsory” license. Then, every time your cover version is sold or reproduced, you (or your record label) must pay the statutory royalty fee for that song (currently 9.1¢ per copy in the US).

Do bands pay royalties on live covers?

No. The venues they play at are supposed to get ASCAP, BMI and SEASAC licenses. It’s around $600 to $1,000 a year for each of those. Bars and venues that don’t pay for a license face copyright lawsuits and usually either buy a license to stop bands from playing cover tunes.

What is a cover song by another artist?

In popular music, a cover version, cover song, remake, revival, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording by a musician other than the original performer or composer of the song.

Is it legal to play cover songs live?

PERFORMING A COVER SONG LIVE: The rock band or solo performer does not need a license to perform a cover song live. Sometimes a venue or store will tell you that you cannot play any cover songs. This means they have opted not to buy any music performance licenses from the PROs.

Can you perform cover songs live?

Covers, cover songs or cover versions, are performances or recordings of an existing song by someone other than the original performing artist. You do not need permission to cover a song live.