How to Release a Cover Song Legally

A cover song uses someone else's composition, so you need a mechanical licence before you can sell or stream it — even if you recorded everything yourself. ORB handles cover-song mechanical licensing as part of your release so you can put your version on 150+ stores without legal risk.

Steps to release a cover song legally

You own your recording, but not the underlying song. Here's how to clear it and release it:

1. Confirm it's a cover, not a sample: A cover is your own new recording of an existing song. (Sampling someone else's recording is different and needs separate permission.) Covers qualify for a compulsory mechanical licence.

2. Identify the original songwriter and publisher: Note the real composer(s) — not the artist who made it famous. You'll credit them and the publisher controls the mechanical rights.

3. Record your version: Track your cover to a clean, distribution-ready master (WAV preferred). You may rearrange it, but you cannot change the lyrics or fundamental melody without extra permission.

4. Request cover-song licensing through ORB: When you upload, flag the track as a cover and provide the original title and writer. ORB arranges the mechanical licence so songwriter royalties are paid correctly.

5. Credit and distribute: Enter the original songwriter in your metadata, then send the release to Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, Audiomack and the rest in one submission.

Why a mechanical licence matters

When you stream or sell a cover, two sets of rights are in play: the recording (which you own) and the composition (which the original songwriter owns). A mechanical licence is your legal permission to reproduce that composition, and it ensures the songwriter receives their share of the royalties.

Without it, your release can be taken down, monetisation can be blocked, or you can face a claim. Handling the licence up front means your cover stays live, you keep your performance royalties, and the original writer is paid fairly — everyone wins.

How ORB makes covers easy

Built-in mechanical licensing: Flag a track as a cover during upload and ORB arranges the mechanical licence so the composition is properly cleared.

Correct songwriter credits: ORB validates your metadata so the original writer is credited and their royalties route correctly.

150+ stores in one go: Your cleared cover goes to Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, Audiomack and more from a single submission.

Local-currency payouts: Your performance royalties from the cover collect in your ORB wallet for withdrawal to your local bank.

Do I really need a licence to cover a song? Yes. You own your recording, but the original composition is owned by its songwriter. A mechanical licence gives you legal permission to release your version. ORB arranges this when you mark a track as a cover.

Can I release a cover on Spotify and Apple Music? Yes, once it's properly licensed. ORB clears the mechanical licence and delivers your cover to Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, Audiomack and 150+ other stores in one submission.

Do I keep royalties from a cover song? You keep your recording royalties (100% on paid plans), while a portion of the songwriting royalties goes to the original composer through the mechanical licence — which is how it stays legal.

Can I change the lyrics of a cover? Not under a standard mechanical licence. You may rearrange the music, but changing lyrics or melody creates a 'derivative work' that needs separate permission from the songwriter or publisher.