Yes, you can release a cover song with LANDR and it will be available on all music platforms in our network, with certain regional exceptions. In order for us to secure the license, a one-time fee of $15 USD is required for each cover song you want to release. For answers to common questions about releasing cover songs with LANDR, read below. For a step-by-step guide to releasing a cover song with LANDR, read this article.
What is a cover song?
A cover song is a recording of a previously released track that maintains the original composition (lyrics, melody, and structure).
Cover licensing does NOT include:
- Remixes
- Samples
- Mashups
- Derivative works (e.g., translations, parodies, or arrangements with altered lyrics or structure)
What about classical music? Renditions of classical music may not require a cover song license if the piece is in the public domain. However, if you're recording a version based on a specific modern arrangement or adaptation, you may still need permission from the arranger.
For accurate songwriter details, use the MLC public search engine.
Do I always need a license to release a cover song?
No, not necessarily. Streaming platforms like Spotify and Deezer have blanket agreements with record labels for cover song licensing, so if you only want to release your cover song to streaming and not download stores, you don’t need a license. However, due to regional restrictions, you would need a license if you want your cover song to be available for streaming in Canada.
Additionally, you always need a license to release a cover song to digital download stores, and because LANDR does not separate the iTunes Store from Apple Music, we are unable to send streaming-only releases to Apple Music.
For these reasons, we generally recommend securing a license for each cover song you want to release in order to maximize your audience and your royalties.
How much does cover song licensing cost through LANDR?
When releasing cover songs through LANDR, you’ll need to pay $15 USD per cover song to secure a license. This is not a recurring fee — you only pay it once per cover song that you want to release.
I already have a license for my cover song. Do I still have to pay the fee?
No, if you have already secured a license to release your cover song, you can simply provide your proof of rights when building your release.
Finding original composition information
- The HFA database is the fastest way to locate song details.
How long does it take to release a cover song?
- 1-3 business days to obtain a license
- 1-3 business days for release review and store submission
- 24 hours to 5 business days for the release to appear in stores
Make sure that all of your song details match the HFA database to avoid delays.
What’s the difference between a cover and a remix?
- Covers: Maintain the original song's structure, lyrics, and melody. Requires a composition license.
- Remixes: Modify the original track’s recording. Requires the rights to the original master recording.
What details do I need to include with my cover release?
- Original song title
- Original performing artist
- At least one original songwriter
- Link to the original song (optional)
Will my cover song be released worldwide if I use LANDR?
Yes, cover songs released through LANDR are made available worldwide, except in India, Pakistan, Brazil, and Mexico.
Do I still get royalties from my cover songs?
Yes — once you pay a one-time licensing fee of $15 USD, you’ll collect royalties on your cover song by the same method as any other release. This fee covers the cost of securing the proper mechanical license for distribution in the United States.
However, a small portion of each digital download sale in the U.S. goes to the original songwriters, as required by law:
- For songs 5 minutes or less, 12¢ USD per download is paid to the original rights holders.
- For songs over 5 minutes, 2.31¢ USD per minute (rounded up to the next full minute) is paid out.
Examples:
- A 4-minute, 33-second cover = 12.3¢ USD per download goes to the original writers.
- A 6-minute, 14-second cover = 2.31¢ × 7 minutes = 16.17¢ USD per download goes to the original writers.
The rest of your royalties are yours to keep, just like with any other track you release.
Can I release AI cover songs with LANDR?
Due to copyright concerns, and to remain in alignment with our policies on AI-generated music, we do not distribute AI-generated cover songs at this time.