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 you 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 the original songwriter or songwriters' name/names to the track. (If the songwriter name is already in your songwriter bank, click on "+ Add to this track.")
6. Enter the name of the original publisher as it appears on your license.

Album Submissions

1. Under composition type click COVER SONG
2. Under Songwriter Information, add the original songwriter or songwriters' name/names to the track. (If the songwriter name is already in your songwriter bank, click on "+ Add to this track.")
3. Enter the name of the original publisher as it appears on your license.