Covering a Song? Don’t Skip the Mechanical License
If you're an artist thinking about recording and releasing a cover song—whether it’s one Beatles track or an entire tribute album—you need more than just talent and a good mic. You need a mechanical license.
Let’s break that down.
What Is a Mechanical License?
A mechanical license gives you the legal right to reproduce and distribute someone else’s composition. That means if you didn’t write the song but you want to record and sell it—digitally or physically—you’re required to obtain one.
How to Get One
If you're in the U.S. and plan to release fewer than 2,500 units, the easiest route is through Songfile, a platform run by the Harry Fox Agency.
The process is simple:
Create an account
Fill in the song details
Pay the statutory fee (typically around 9–12 cents per copy or stream)
Once completed, you’ll receive a license confirming your right to distribute the song.
Why This Matters
When you upload your track to a digital distributor—like DistroKid, CD Baby, or TuneCore—they may flag your song if it’s a cover. If you can’t provide proof of your mechanical license, they can (and likely will) reject it.
I learned this firsthand. A few years back, I released a compilation album of Himalayan music through the Garcia Music Arts Organization. We had secured all the rights, but when the distributor requested proof for one of the tracks, I couldn’t find the documentation. The track was held up and we eventually had to remove it from the release to move forward.
Don’t Let Admin Hold Up Your Art
Covering someone else’s work is a powerful way to pay tribute and reach new audiences—but it comes with legal responsibility. Always secure your mechanical licenses before you upload or release anything.
Keep the paperwork. Know your rights. Protect your release.