How to release a cover song (or a full album of them)

Sometimes the fastest way to get a listener's attention is with a song they already love. But the trick? Make it your own. A strong cover doesn’t just show off your skills—it shows people who you are.

But even if you’re recording everything from scratch, you’re still working with someone else’s composition—and that comes with licensing responsibilities.

This guide covers what you need to know to release a cover song or album legally, whether you're streaming, selling downloads, or pressing physical copies.

What counts as a cover?

A cover is a new recording of a song written by someone else. You’re not using the original master, and you’re not making significant changes to the lyrics or melody. You’re simply performing the song in your own style.

That’s very different from:

• Sampling – using part of the original recording

• Remixing – altering the original recording

• Interpolation – re-recording part of a song and incorporating it into a new one

Each of those requires different kinds of permissions.

Here’s where the mechanical license comes in

A mechanical license gives you the legal right to record and distribute a copyrighted composition that you didn’t write. This applies to both physical and digital formats—CDs, vinyl, downloads, and in some cases, streams.

You don’t need permission from the songwriter to get one in the U.S., but you do need to report your usage and pay for it in advance. As of 2025, the statutory rate for physical formats and permanent downloads is 12.7¢ per song, per unit, for compositions up to five minutes long. Rates are set by the Copyright Royalty Board and can change, so if you're budgeting for a release, it’s worth checking the latest numbers.

Mechanical licenses are required whether you're selling the track or giving it away for free—because the law applies to distribution, not just commercial use.

Streaming only? No license needed (in most cases)

If you're releasing your cover only on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music, you typically don’t need to get a mechanical license yourself—as long as you're in the U.S.

Streaming platforms are responsible for paying mechanical royalties to songwriters and publishers. 

This applies to:

• Interactive streaming (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, etc.)

• Non-interactive streaming (Pandora, internet radio, etc.)

To stay compliant:

• Mark the track as a cover when uploading

• Don’t claim songwriting credit

• Accurately credit the original songwriter(s) in the metadata
  

Note: International licensing can get tricky. If you're unsure, check in with your distributor or licensing service.

Selling downloads? You do need a license

If you're offering paid downloads—on iTunes, Bandcamp, or your own website—you’ll need to secure a mechanical license for each track.

The current U.S. mechanical royalty rate for physical products and downloads is 12.7¢ per song, per unit, for compositions up to five minutes long. Rates are set by the Copyright Royalty Board and may change over time, so it’s a good idea to double-check the latest numbers if you’re budgeting for a release.

You have two options:

1. Use a mechanical licensing service

The most straightforward option is to go through a licensing service, such as:

• Easy Song Licensing– user-friendly and works well for full albums

• Songfile (Harry Fox Agency) – commonly used, though limited for new users

You’ll provide the song and songwriter info, enter how many downloads you expect, and they’ll handle the licensing and payments.

2. Contact the publisher directly

You can identify the rights holders using databases like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, and request permission directly. This method can take more time, and unlike the compulsory license system, publishers have the right to say no.

What about Bandcamp?

Here’s how licensing works for different types of releases on Bandcamp:

Even if you're not charging for a download, distributing a cover song still requires a mechanical license.

Giving music away for free? Still requires a license

In the U.S., a mechanical license is required any time you reproduce and distribute a copyrighted composition—even if you’re offering it as a free download.

Free doesn’t mean exempt. If you're distributing a song you didn’t write, you need the license.

Summary: when you need a license

Final thoughts

Releasing a cover song is relatively straightforward—as long as you understand what kind of release you're planning. If it’s streaming-only in the U.S., you’re generally covered. But if you're offering downloads or physical formats, you’ll need to secure mechanical licenses in advance.

Always credit the original songwriters, use a distributor that supports covers, and make sure your licensing is in place before putting the track out. Once that’s handled, you’re good to go.