Can I release a cover song through CD Baby?

Quick answer

Yes, you can release a cover song through CD Baby, but you must first, at minimum, secure a mechanical license for digital downloads. 

This license grants you the right to reproduce and distribute the song's composition (lyrics and melody), but not the original recording. For example, if you record your version of a song by The Beatles, you need to secure a mechanical license from the original publisher. 

You can secure that license from a third-party service like Easy Song or directly from the composition’s copyright owner, usually the original publisher.

What's considered a cover song?

• A cover song is your recording of a composition that you didn't write, and which has previously been released as a recording in the USA.
• A cover song is not:
  • A song you wrote.
  • A song you co-wrote with someone.
  • A song someone gave you permission to record and release but has never been recorded and released before. Note: this type of song requires a “first use” license obtained directly from the composition’s copyright owner.
  • An old song, including an old traditional song (like “Ave Maria” or “Amazing Grace”), that is now in the public domain.

How to release a cover song through CD Baby

1. Obtain a mechanical license: Secure a mechanical license for digital downloads from a licensing agency such as Easy Song. 
   • Note: A standard compulsory mechanical license authorizes distribution in the United States only.  If you want to distribute your cover song outside the United States, you need to get a license directly from the composition copyright owner that identifies the territory(s) where you are authorized to distribute the recording. 

When submitting your cover song through CD Baby:

1. Select "Cover Song" under composition type.
2. Indicate "Yes" when asked if you have secured a license.
3. Choose "Licensing Agency" from the drop-down menu.
4. Provide the License ID and the name of the license provider.
5. Under Songwriter Information, add the original songwriter(s)' name(s) to the track.
6. Enter the name of the original publisher as it appears on your license.

Important: you must limit the distribution to the territory(s) your license authorizes. Learn more about this here: How can I update my territory restrictions?

Do I need a license if I only want my music on streaming sites?

• No, mechanical licensing isn't required for your music to be available on streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music.
• Streaming companies are responsible for paying out all royalties to the publishers themselves.
• However, regardless of your distribution level, our policy requires that you acquire at least a digital download license to distribute your cover song through CD Baby.

Things to note

• A standard compulsory mechanical license authorizes distribution in the United States only.  If you want to distribute your cover song outside the United States, you need to get a license directly from the composition copyright owner that identifies the territory(ies) where you are authorized to distribute the recording. 
• A physical license will not cover sales of a digital release. You must obtain a digital download license for your cover song.
• If you're covering a song that is in the public domain, list the songwriter as "Traditional" and the publisher as "Public Domain" in the submission form.
• Derivative works, such as samples, cannot be cleared through the cover song licensing process. Read more on this here: Understanding derivative works