Why do covers need a license?

Because the composition (lyrics + melody) is copyrighted by the original songwriter. The master recording is one copyright; the composition is another. When you cover, you create a new master — but still use someone else’s composition, hence the mechanical license.

More in Content & rights

• Can I release a cover song?
• Can I distribute a remix?
• What about samples?
• What are the artwork rules?
• Do I keep ownership of my music?
• What about covers for YouTube content?
• I cover a non-US song (J-pop, K-pop, local hit) — can Spilix license it?
• When does $15/track/year start counting?
• Is there a limit on how many covers I can release?
• If I cancel cover license, is my cover release still distributed?