If you’re releasing a cover of a song that’s in the public domain, you’ll need to enter songwriter and publisher information correctly to avoid delays or rejections. This article explains how to credit the composition and what to do if you’re unsure whether a song is truly public domain.

How to Enter Songwriter Information

• If the songwriter is known:
  • Enter the original songwriter’s full first and last name.
• If the songwriter is unknown or the song is an old traditional piece:
  • Enter:
    • First Name: Traditional
    • Last Name: Song
• Do NOT enter:
  • Your own name
  • “N/A” or “None”

How to Enter Publisher Information

• When asked “Does this track have a publisher?”, select YES.
• Enter the publisher name as: Public Domain.

What If I Don’t Know Who Wrote the Song?

• If it’s not an old traditional song, you need to research the songwriter.
• If the song is not in the public domain, you must:
  • Obtain the proper license
  • Pay royalties to the copyright owner

Important for International Artists

• CD Baby follows U.S. copyright law.
• A song may be public domain in your country but not in the U.S..
• If it’s not public domain under U.S. law:
  • CD Baby will treat it as a cover song.
  • You’ll need the appropriate license.

Here is a quick video explaining what to add as a songwriter for a public domain song.