Cover songs are a popular way for independent artists to showcase their talent, pay tribute to their favorite musicians, and engage new audiences. But if you’re planning to release a cover, you might wonder: Can I distribute a cover song with Symphonic? And more specifically, how does Symphonic Distribution handle cover songs, licensing, and royalties? This article unpacks everything you need to know about distributing cover songs through Symphonic, from copyright considerations to practical tips for smooth releases.
Understanding Cover Songs and Music Distribution
A cover song is when an artist performs a new version of an existing copyrighted song. Unlike original compositions, cover songs require you to obtain the proper licenses before distributing or monetizing them legally. Without these licenses, your release can face takedowns, copyright claims, or lost revenue.
This is especially important for digital distributors like Symphonic, who must ensure their clients comply with copyright laws to avoid platform penalties and legal trouble.
Does Symphonic Distribution Accept Cover Songs?
Yes, Symphonic Distribution allows artists to distribute cover songs on their platform. However, like all professional distributors, Symphonic requires artists to handle the necessary licensing to legally release a cover.
What Kind of Licenses Are Required for Cover Songs?
The key license you need for distributing cover songs digitally is a mechanical license. This license grants you permission to reproduce and distribute the underlying composition, even though you did not write the original song.
In the U.S., mechanical licenses are often obtained through agencies like the Harry Fox Agency or services such as Easy Song Licensing and Loudr. Some international territories have different licensing bodies and rules, so artists must verify the appropriate channels depending on their location.
How Symphonic Supports Cover Song Distribution
Symphonic Distribution expects that all necessary licenses are secured by the artist before uploading cover songs for distribution. While Symphonic itself does not directly provide licensing services, it helps artists by:
Reviewing your submission to ensure compliance with platform guidelines
Offering clear policies to avoid unauthorized content uploads
Providing artist support to answer questions about copyright concerns
Therefore, the responsibility to obtain the mechanical license and ensure royalty payments to the original songwriters lies with the artist or their management.
Step-by-Step Guide to Distributing Cover Songs with Symphonic
Obtain a Mechanical License
Before uploading, secure a mechanical license for your cover song. This license legally authorizes you to distribute the cover version worldwide and pays royalties to the original rights holders.Prepare Your Audio and Metadata
Ensure your cover song audio meets Symphonic’s technical requirements. Prepare accurate metadata, including the original songwriters’ credits, to avoid disputes.Upload Your Cover Song on Symphonic
Use your Symphonic dashboard to submit your cover track just like any original song, but disclose that it is a cover in the metadata or notes section if possible.Pay the Annual Distribution Fee
Symphonic operates on an annual fee model per release. Make sure to pay the required fees to activate distribution.Monitor Royalty Payments and Usage Reports
After release, track your streams, downloads, and royalty collections through Symphonic’s reporting tools. Make sure mechanical royalties are also paid to rights holders via your licensing service.
Why Licensing Covers Matters for Symphonic and You
Distributing cover songs without proper licenses can have severe consequences:
Platform Removal: Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music may remove your cover if copyright claims arise.
Revenue Loss: Royalties owed to original composers must be paid; failing to do so risks financial penalties.
Account Suspension: Repeated copyright infringements can lead to distributor account suspension, including Symphonic.
By proactively obtaining mechanical licenses, you safeguard your music career and maintain a positive relationship with your distributor.
How Does Symphonic Compare for Cover Song Distribution?
Compared to other distributors, Symphonic is recognized for its professionalism and strict adherence to copyright compliance. Some alternative distributors offer bundled licensing services for covers (e.g., TuneCore and CD Baby offer cover licensing at an additional cost), but Symphonic focuses on ensuring artists secure licenses independently.
For artists confident in managing licenses, Symphonic’s transparent pricing and robust support can be an advantage, especially for those releasing multiple tracks or albums, including covers.
Real-World Data: Cover Songs and Streaming Success
According to a 2024 report by MusicWatch, cover songs account for nearly 10% of total independent music releases on streaming platforms, driven by artists leveraging familiar tunes to gain traction. Proper licensing ensures these covers generate legitimate revenue streams, which is why distributors like Symphonic maintain strict compliance policies.
Common Challenges When Distributing Covers Through Symphonic
Understanding License Jurisdictions: Mechanical licenses may differ across countries, making international releases complex.
Higher Upfront Costs: Licensing agencies typically charge fees per song or per unit sold, adding to distribution costs.
Metadata Accuracy: Incorrect credits can cause delayed payments or claim disputes.
Symphonic’s artist support can guide you through these challenges, but the licensing responsibility rests on the artist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Symphonic Distribution and Cover Songs
Q: Can Symphonic obtain mechanical licenses for me?
A: No. Symphonic requires artists to secure all mechanical licenses independently before distribution.
Q: What happens if I upload a cover without a license on Symphonic?
A: Your release risks removal from platforms and potential account suspension due to copyright infringement.
Q: Does Symphonic charge extra fees for cover songs?
A: Symphonic’s distribution fees are consistent across release types, but mechanical licenses and associated fees come from third-party licensing agencies.
Q: Can I monetize my cover songs on Symphonic?
A: Yes, as long as you have the proper licenses, your cover song streams and sales can generate revenue.
Q: How do I report royalties to original songwriters?
A: Mechanical license providers often handle royalty payments to original composers. Ensure you keep track of these obligations through your licensing service.
Conclusion: Is Symphonic Suitable for Cover Song Distribution?
If you’re an independent artist or label asking, “Can I distribute a cover song with Symphonic?”, the answer is yes—provided you follow the proper licensing steps. Symphonic Distribution offers a reliable platform with global reach, transparent pricing, and responsive support that benefits artists releasing cover songs.
While Symphonic does not handle licensing, their policies ensure you distribute legally and responsibly, protecting your music career and maximizing revenue potential. For artists willing to manage mechanical licenses themselves, Symphonic remains a solid, professional choice to distribute cover songs worldwide.
