What information do I provide if I’m covering a song from an artist I know personally?

If you are selling a cover song but happen to know the songwriter personally there is often no need, and usually no means of securing a mechanical license. It is best though, even if it's a simple agreement among friends, to get something in writing for your own personal records (ie. an email, written/signed letter).  

In this situation when you are completing the submission on CD Baby you should do the following when asked about your cover song license:

Standard Singles Submissions

1. Under composition type click COVER SONG
2. Indicate YES when asked if they have secured a license
3. Choose LICENSING AGENCY from the drop-down
4. Add "Private Agreement" in the License #/ID section
5. Under Songwriter Information Add a new songwriter or if the songwriter name is already in the songwriter bank click on "+ Add to this track"
6. Include the songwriter's publisher.

Album Submissions

1. Under composition type click COVER SONG
2. Under Songwriter Information Add a new songwriter or if the songwriter name is already in the songwriter bank click on "+ Add to this track"
3. Include the songwriter's publisher