How to Legally Release a Cover Song, Remix, or use Samples

[@DjJasminOfficial]

Why does NO ONE discusses the fact that each and every one dj / producer who struggles to get attention to his/her music, sends numerous emails without A SINGLE reply. I mean…I want go the legal way but no one even replies. Record labels hide their emails amazingly so that no one can have access to them.

[@Randuski]

yea. cause they want you to leave them alone haha

[@davidvanweeghel8194]

​@@Randuski😂

[@DjJasminOfficial]

@@Randuskiyou should do stand up comedy , hilarious !

[@Randuski]

@@DjJasminOfficial i mean that’s just the reality haha if i managed to get famous, i would immediately shut my emails down haha i’d be far to busy to entertain every request.

[@Lyfe8k]

That’s because you need an entertainment lawyer.

[@peppigue]

pretty clear explainer. A video with added examples and info on publishing and public domain and fair use and using unlicensed/CC material would be a hit.

[@lvdrizzle1]

Great info..I did 2 bootleg remixes of 2 well known singers and wasnt sure if I could put it up on youtube... thanks for clearing that up..

[@rahulxgen4290]

Would love to hear the outcome. Were you able to monetize it?

[@samsmyers]

Hello there! Hope you enjoyed the video! If you did please consider subscribing! 📀Follow my Deep House Playlist 👉spoti.fi/3FtVF13 If you would like to support my music, please consider following me on Spotify! found.ee/SamSpotify

[@SavoryShredZ]

Thanks dude! For whatever reason, I was under the assumption that a cover had to use the same ensemble (similar group of instruments used in the original) to be considered a cover and a remix meant, primarily, a change in that ensemble. I have covers, not remixes... this is great. 👍

[@blujakmusic]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. Two quick questions: 1. How do you find out if you actually would need to credit the original composer of a melody and 2. What if you have no way of getting a hold of them/have tried contacting the developer they work for and haven't gotten a response?

[@RobandSijay]

some don't want to be reached for the hope of you using the sample anyway AND it becoming a hit so they can collect later in court. I personally have an ear for "that sounds just like this other song" will be 99% right, if I could study law just for the music recording side lol...i'll check the credits and see the artist has all writing and producing credit, indicating to me that they are flying under the radar at the moment because they haven't made buzz or radio play or media attention to be on talkshows performing the song. If you're just getting streams but nothing on airwaves to make noise where the owner has to pay attention then you are good (not legally but no ones coming after you for 6 cents for a song only a few thousand people have heard)

[@Peru-e4p]

Very clear and concise knowledge, thanks a lot for sharing.

[@BifMcFly]

Thanks, you answered the question I had and 3 more I didn't know I had. You get a like sir.

[@oliverquach9614]

Great video, really informative! It’s somewhat off topic but when Taylor Swift re-records and releases her old songs is she..interpolating her own work? I’ve always wondered how she was able to pull that off and why no one ever thought of it before.

[@samsmyers]

thanks! no its not an interpolation. Her old record label Big Machine owned the copyright to her masters and then sold them to Scooter Braun, which was what she was mad about. Since she still owned the copyright to her publishing, she just decided to re-record new masters, so that now she owns all of the rights to the copyright in the sound recording and also her publishing. It requires a lot of time and money to do this, and people may still only listen to the old versions.

[@KidTonyGaming]

@@samsmyersso when songs are "remastered/rerecorded" are they new versions of old masters? Also if I own a label owns a master but I copyrighted the song, aren't we both technically allowed to rerecord that work?

[@jrstit]

i needed this !!!

[@samsmyers]

yessirr 😊

[@chronixbeats9625]

For sampling just pitch it and you will be ok same for vocals

[@lostconciousness4255]

how about something like rewriting the lyrics (but similar) and using the same beat but switching up the tones and sounds? would this still be considered a derivative work?

[@anonymousanonymy6005]

Hi Sam. Great video. I noticed a lot of EDM remixes around on KZbin from many indie producers. Those are all bootleg remixes? I doubt they got an confirmation from Alesso, late Avicii or someone on that level :D thanks!

[@Andrewjamesmusic]

This is what I was looking for!! Thanks Sam!!

[@samsmyers]

Happy to help!

[@rickivictrimusiq]

For the cover song do I need to make over the beat?

[@thaunseencamp1009]

Great info man thanks

[@BellToBell]

Hey! Subbed to you long ago and good to see the count saying 10k 🔥

[@samsmyers]

yes! just hit it! thank you!

[@gtubgle]

This is great, thank you.

[@DoppeKokke]

Hey thanks for an informative video. We have made a new instrumental that is not similar at all compared the original (and no samples) and a independent singer singing the original lyrics. Is this a cover, remix or something else?

[@Vinsan17]

Great explanation thank you sam🙌🏻

[@MyCherryCherryBaby]

Thank you for this video!!

[@samuelnew1351]

Thanks, Sam! This helped a lot!

[@samsmyers]

No problem!

[@kerwinalexander6836]

Very informative video. . Q: If I do an interpolation of a song do I still need to get copyrights/mechanical license or permission from the original artist/ publisher? Thanks

[@banginzaza]

Great details!!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@themusicman213]

I used the music to the Hollies Nights in White Satin but changed the music somewhat throughout the creation. I also turned the Lyrics into completely my own as a Christian song, I believe this is called a Paradine? What must I do to distribute this on Digital platforms like Spotify, Apple, Pandora, etc. Please advise Lawrence N Jones

[@BlxxdLeaf]

Thank you. Just. Thank you.

[@Cryptixx604]

Great video - Thanks

[@officialdreamrmusic]

How do you get permission from the Artist?

[@CanarioRiff]

GREAT INFORMATION LETS MAKE MONEY WITH COVERS 😁😁😁

[@gh0stransist0r]

I like this kinda content! so informative. 👍

[@samsmyers]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@anashajar4782]

So I have made a remix of "Thank You" by Dido, I have interpolated the song into my beat, and I have used the melody of the song composition in the chorus part, I write the verse for the rest of my song. Is it legit for me to release it? Or do I need to obtain permission from the label? Thanks!

[@jetrorusso7726]

Good explanation man

[@VerryRichmonTV]

Good info thank you.

[@Money132215]

Question I think what I would partly call a remix I added on to the original beat/instrumental with addition to some samples from the original who exactly do I contact to use both or was I not getting what was mentioned above?

[@quelocoel]

Hello! thanks for al the info. I have a question, what happens if I have a cover but it is a mashup? I mean i recorded myself a song that contains two or more other songs? Does distrokid have any kind of feature for this? Will it charge me 1 dollar per song used? Thanks!

[@yijonghong]

For this following scenario: The vocal track is removed from a given song, and the remaining instrumental track is remixed with a totally new vocal melody, also vocalized with different language and different lyrics? What's the copyright situation, as between a cover song and a remix? Or? Thanks for advice in advance.

[@blakkinho]

hi, i have a question: can i let ai sing a small part of an acappella (to use as sample in my song) and upload it as a cover on distrokid as shown in the video?

[@mattduncan5500]

@samsmyers , first of all you're a beast . your content is so good. secondly.... i didnt know you couldnt alter a cover. didnt know you have to keep same melody and lyrics. so what about, could you hypothetically cover a song as it is. set it up with correct royalties etc . put this under one name. and then under another name, sample that cover song and chop it up as you please . ???

[@jayhoc718]

Once I get the mechanical license, can I copyright my sound recording of it? If so how? Not sure how to do it on Library of Congress. Thank you!

[@ironqueen_osrs]

Thanks for this info! I learned a lot! Do you know how this works for samples from movies or tv-series (speech not music)?

[@ronjie]

Hey. If I “cover” a song but make it my own - same lyrics, tweaked melody, chords are down a pitch, recorded and performed by myself - I suppose that still falls under the cover song umbrella? One cover I made is even a different music genre altogether. Another “cover” I made uses different lyrics, sometimes a translation, but also a different arrangement and music genre - is that still a cover? I ask because… I’ve so far uploaded some to YT and I didn’t get any copyright strike… But I wanna upload them to Spotify as well…

[@justintanner4489]

Great video. Does anyone know which distributors support uploading a derivative cover? (Assuming the original artists grants a license).

[@ShayanRavanassa]

Thanks for the video! If I downloaded an acapella of a copyrighted song and within my DAW I transposed the vocals up or down a bit and possibly used a formant (for use in a house track I am making), do I still need to get legal clearance for that? And will I be able to use that track in a commercial advertisement for a start-up company? Thank you!

[@BENINIMUSIC]

Thanks for the informative video. If you recreate a song using no samples or stems from the original recording or any other recording and changed the style/genre of the song, would that be considered a cover? Thanks

[@Kichizo_DJ]

Out of curiosity if you mash up lyrics from 2 songs like blue and good. Would that be considered a cover song or a remix or a mashup cover? I didn’t us any samples from the 2 tracks didn’t change the melody or chords. Just blended the 2 lyrics.

[@XxGLOWphoenix]

Any original stems = remix

[@enzoeltrago2362]

Thank you Sam for the video . If I sampled the entire original Acappella and maintained the same melody but re-created with synthetizers and drum machines that gives me the proper sound I want , how can I call it ? Remix or cover ? Thank you in advance & hooray 4 music!

[@TheRealReefOnline]

Could you please do a video on derivatives I understand you said I can’t do a cover and change the lyrics. However, I want to change the lyrics of a particular song but keep the Melody I believe that would be a derivative. How would I go about getting that cleared?

[@XSETLaden]

Hey great video, if I added a verse to a song, using the instrumental and acapella that I made and want to put it on streaming platforms, what would this be called and how do I go about being able to legally release it? So its Artist ft. (me).

[@krystalharvey9364]

Hi Sam! Awesome and informative video! Question: I wrote a song and used the instrumental of a previously released, well-known song. Is this considered a remix or is this considered using a sample? Also, I did a cover but the producer included a vocal stem of the original recording and a sample from the original recording and built a composition around it. What type of clearance would we seek for that recording? Thx Sam!

[@FeonaLeeJones]

sounds like a derivative work for the 2nd question and yeah you would have to get permissions in the form of a license

[@Nafirm]

Hey I have a question ok so me and my friend made a song to jadens blackout instrumental, and the 1st 2 Lyrics in the song are the same but everything else is different but the same melody…would it be considered a cover or an remix ?

[@PrimeTimePromotionsLLC]

Which video covers clearing mash-up songs as I have not been able to find anyone or any video to discuss how to clear this these types of songs.

[@FellypeNascimento]

Thanks for the video! So, let's say I recreate a popular song from scratch, but transforming it into a diferent style like EDM, but keeping the exact same melodies, and not using any stems from the original, does it consider a cover or a remix?

[@earlem9771]

So bootleg remixes on KZbin are allowed? I didn’t know that. Cool 👍🏼

[@andreisutton]

If I have a song that I used some of the original lyrics and then changed some what would that be and could I upload it?

[@joeydaleboudt4577]

Hey got a question about the cover: the mechanical license is taken care of by the dsp, or HFA for downloads. But what about the performance license? Because if you upload it to a DSP that also counts as a performance and you need a performance license right?

[@joeydaleboudt4577]

Oh is it because a dsp ALSO covers the Performance License right? Same a the mechanical as a blanket license?

[@raffishmusic]

This is what I was looking for! Thanks!

[@lorens2143]

Thank you! Very informative video. A question. 3:25 When releasing a cover song, the melody HAVE to stay the same? This one i dont get. Is that 100%? So if i make a cover, and, lets say, change the song from a Major chord song to a Minor chord song... The melody obviously will change. How does that relate to everything? Will i get in trouble? :) Is "the melody have to stay the same" a statement more in broad strokes?

[@jeboteyt]

Hi, I didnt quite understand what is the difference between a Remix and a sample? Remix uses only "a capella" and sample uses the whole song with instruments? Please help. thx

[@hermitcrustacean9965]

Great video! Im making a cover song, and i use GarageBand, and i threw some free samples *from garageband* on the cover track. Is that.. legal?

[@scaryfire]

Hey Sam! Love this simple yet informative video. Let’s say if I record myself singing a lullaby like Row Your Boat, and I produce a track based on that recording, will I be allowed to release that commercially?

[@samsmyers]

I believe that song is public domain, which means that no one has the ownership rights, so you could release that commericially

[@diego4808]

Hey to kind of piggyback on the question, what if I built a remix/song around a chopped vocal line, and then rerecorded that chopped vocal line myself? For example I'm interested in doing that for the song, Time Is Running Out, by Muse. Original Instrumentation.@@samsmyers

[@robinlacaden4438]

​@@diego4808I think the answer is in the video which falls under cover songs but Im not sure

[@vincentmartis9621]

REALLY helpful video! One question I still have is how does someone go about receiving permission to use stems for a remix officially from the artist or record? Are there websites or something that you're able to purchase these from the artist or label? I would love to post remixes to Apple Music or Spotify

[@AnthonyCarrier]

You cannot upload remixes/samples VIA Distrokid definitely without a license.

[@Zznitro]

@@AnthonyCarrier the question is how do you get the license or permission ? everyone says you need permission but no one explains. like if i want to remix a song from kanye west use his vocals but make a new song out of it. what do i do ? do i send kanye a dm asking for permission ? or what

[@sheesh236]

@@Zznitro HAHAHA sending him DM doesnt' work, did you find an actual solution yet?

[@hardeepramgarhia853]

Hi, I have a question, it I take music from some old song like lets say without me by eminem, and I right my own lyrics in some other language but use that song’s music and style, can I just do it or need license for that too ?

[@hardeepramgarhia853]

Or thats what sample is ?

[@DFTheSinger]

So hey quick question, would a mashup be able to be aloud? So basically I’m in the mist of doing a Chris Brown song mashing up with an Aaliyah song Isn’t that still like a cover if I’m singing their lyrics? Would that be aloud?

[@messier33]

and what about a sample from youtube video, and im doing a live set that it has the sample every time I play it, is the same?

[@andrewstirling6457]

H,i I wanted to do my 3.58min acoustic guitar version of Xanny by Billie Eilish Just for fun haven't done this sort of stuff before need help with this Thanks Andy 🤩🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@neilskreations1264]

What if I am using the instrumental of a famous song that a producer on KZbin made, and I only make a remix verse. Essentially it’s the same beat, but I put my verse on there too. Technically the only remix part of it is the verse I added. My question would I still have to get permission from the Artist to officially release the verse I added to their song, or how would that work?

[@enterthehollow5834]

So can I upload a cover to Distrokid without paying the license fee if spotify does this automatically?

[@spiritlevelstudios]

The distributor fees cover all your licencing fees.

[@88icryspy]

So is it possible then to cover a song and then use samples and segments from your cover in a remix?

[@ceomanagement]

Question, what would it be if I created a song off of a concept of an original song but reproduced the music, new lyrics written and melody of the hook is slightly different?

[@BlxxdLeaf]

I would like to know as well.

[@Samsaraindo]

This is what I am wondering. This is likely an interpolation and would be subject to copyright. What did you end up doing?

[@ceomanagement]

@Samsaraindo I haven't released the song yet but I will be seeking legal counsel on this question.

[@Samsaraindo]

@@ceomanagement smart movd

[@nichetone6547]

Really interesting and informative! You mentioned that the lyrics and melody have to stay the same for covers- so is this the same for instrumental covers of songs?

[@FeonaLeeJones]

i believe if you change lyrics it becomes a derivative work

[@Hinoki_Weitzel]

Why do I see remixes of popular songs that have no consent getting millions of streams?

[@stealthanthems8403]

Thanks for the information, though I don't believe my scenario was covered. I've recorded (but not released as yet) a versions of 'Paradise City' by Guns n Roses. My song is called 'Paradise City Bitches (Slammin Tequila). In my chorus I have used "Take me down, Oh take me down, Take me down to the paradise city where the grass is green and the girls are pretty". The chords are the same throughout the verses and chorus with me playing in most of the instrument parts , however the lyrics in the verses are entirely my own original lyrics. The 'feel' of the song is also entirely different. What would I need to do to release this recording if anything, please? Forever in love, peace & abundance _()_

[@ricka12345]

What about percussion sample loops from splice? Do we have to clear those or ? Are perc loops not really an issue?

[@noeneonmusic]

Generally if you're paying for splice everything on there is paid for already and free to use.

[@cream31014]

What if I’m using the remake of an instrumental of a mainstream song? What are the ways to clear it?

[@chaennelchaennel]

so, may I ask a question? I wanted to do a mashup. I made two different version, one got upload and you can find it on this channel, but the other has been taken down. I heard not to be taken down, mashups have to be rearranged or at least start with 15 seconds of silence or you have to mix two song so that they cannot be recognized. The thing is that I end up with 13 initial silence seconds and then the song starts with the 2/2 song which is a cover of the orginal song I am also putting. So I'm like... what....? Because in the version 1 of the mashup nothing was "detected" or taken down, and here that it starts with not the original version but the cover... got me confused XD Is there a way not to change sounds, maybe adding "silence seconds" to get it uploded? Please try to help me 😩😩

[@jean-baptiste9230]

Hi, thank you so much for the info, i have used audio from interviews on KZbin to make some tracks/songs. Do i need a permission?

[@outtatownbabyy]

So for a bootleg remix it’s ok to make a music video and drop it on KZbin it won’t get taken down by copyright ?

[@CristoVisionOfficial]

Missed information concerning re-mixes of PD songs.

[@yiqwaba3833]

Thanks for the breakdown, but how do you provide evidence that an Artist gave permission if it's verbal, and if not how does both parties avoid the heartache of it being taken down if the Artists both say you have my permission. And is a oral contract even honored with platforms?

[@samuelsdgonspotify]

Is it ok to use a small speech sample in a song of a few seconds of someone talking?

[@jamesrodolfo8068]

Hi Sam great video! i got one question. I did a cover of a song, i recorded everything myself nothing from the original is used, i did not change the lyrics or melody, but in terms of instrumentation/song structure i added some things. Such as a longer post-chorus and having the chorus repeat one more time at the end. Will my cover be okay to release on Distrokid with no problems? Thanks!

[@samsmyers]

It doesn't seem like that would be an issue so yea you just try to release it!

[@jamesrodolfo8068]

@@samsmyers oh thanks for replying Sam I appreciate it and really good video too!

[@madrick896]

I had rights in school and which I learned was that even that is illegal because the idea of your song you want to release is completely build on another song. If the one who produced the original one is sueing you he'll probably win. In that case you would need to prove that you came up with the melody and so on by yourself. Thats how its down with any kind of art. Although your cover is too near to the original one you still need the clearance of that artist. I know that I'm probably too late but maybe its helpful for the future and I hope anything went well

[@girlandapiano]

@@samsmyers Hi Sam, to piggyback on this..what if you release this new recording of a cover song and now someone wants to sync it to tv or film etc. Would you have to get pub/artist approval then? What if it's an International artist? I'm asking cause this is the exact situation I'm in or hope to be in soon. Thank you.

[@bubbafett2700]

If I were to not take anything from a copyright song and just make a song that has no lyrics but has a similar beat would that be bad?

[@apdrake13]

Hey Sam, I have a quick question. I'm in the process of creating an original song and I was thinking of incorporating a verse from an artist like Frank Ocean as a remix idea. My intention is not to make any money off of it, it's just for fun and maybe to improve the SEO of the original song. I would also be uploading it to KZbin and SoundCloud. My question is, is there a significant difference between what I want to do and an artist covering a famous instrumental? because I see a ton of channels using beats I'm sure they didn't clear.... appreciate any advice thanks so much.

[@TearsPlays]

What about uploading a cover to youtube? How do you go about paying a royalty if your uploading to youtube

[@eternalself]

Thanks for the info. If you make a bootleg as a free download, do you have to call it bootleg or can it be (… Remix)?

[@MrAlwaysOnTen]

Is there no cheaper and quicker way to release a remix?

[@butlerjames1974]

Hey Sam, question... what if I want to use an isolated vocal and redo the music to post on instagram or KZbin?

[@samsmyers]

That would be a remix

[@butlerjames1974]

@@samsmyers Ok, so I'm safe then?

[@samsmyers]

@@butlerjames1974 well it depends, if you upload a copyrighted song to KZbin it may get a copyright claim which means you can’t monetize it or it may get removed completely. It really just depends on the label

[@BeatsByCed]

They raised the rate since then it’s 12.4 cents now

[@akaadvice]

What about a freestyle over a known hip hop instrumental? Like if I wrote my own piece over some one else’s instrumental, like mixtape style is that considered a cover?

[@harrymultimedia]

i have a bunch of remixes i did ill love to get publish it seem thats not going to happen ....

[@TheMachtigen]

what about selling Ableton Project files of a remake? I seen a lot of people do it, receiving payments thru shopify or paypal, or they will charge people to subscribe to their Patreon pages and have the remakes as downloads. ?

[@TheMachtigen]

Example Aiden Kenway, draw all his traffic to his Patreon by lettling people download the FLP projects of the remakes he makes of original songs.

[@hollytangofficial]

How am I supposed to reach out to Chris Brown to use his instrumental lollll 🥲

[@Fifasher2K]

You aren't. Give up.

[@shreyasthale8105]

So my question is am allowed to post a bootleg remix on my private account on Instagram?

[@poriante]

I couldn't Upload my SquidGame remix on Spotify and Distrokid. but i see some Remixes on Spotify. how it is possible for some small Artists to release officially on Spotify while i can not do it?

[@HighCapMaggie]

What if am mashing two song together? No samples. Recording all the parts. Lyrics and melody of one song on top of music composition of another.

[@andreawallenberger2668]

Also there is "Public Domain". For example Classical Music like say Beethoven can be infinitely sampled, used and/or remixed straight up without any legal or permission issues. I believe the rule is after 50 years an unique music creation or composition goes into or rather becomes public domain. (I hope I remembered that right, pls correct me if not...) You may need permission from the performer of the clip you're sampling or their estate, but not from the original composer. Thanks for the really helpful video!

[@noeneonmusic]

It only becomes available in the public domain 50-75 years after the creator has passed. Not based on creation date unfortunately.

[@haonrepulsor2227]

useful video. I made lyrics based on someone else's vocal melody in my native language. I also made lyrics by listening to one instrument from one remix. My vocal melody would be the melody of that instrument. I really don't know how to report it. it's not a cover, it's not a remix. I'm really confused. thanks

[@djmelo1919]

let's say I find the producers of the song i want to remix and i get in touch with them and they let me use the acapella of a song .how do I prove that on distributing sites so my upload can be completed?

[@charliemaclaran7608]

My problem is, i dont know how to get my hands on samples or stems from a song to do the Remix/Bootleg

[@babzthedj_]

What’s the best way to upload my DJ mixtapes to DistroKid, which feature songs from various artists, without risking copyright infringement or having them rejected or flagged?

[@noeneonmusic]

You'll have to contact each and every artist on your mixtape for permission.