Choosing the Right Licensing Company for Cover Songs: Loudr, DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby Beyond
When it comes to licensing cover songs, the right choice can significantly impact your overall success in the music industry. Various options are available, each with its own set of pros and cons. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore four popular licensing companies - DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, and Loudr. Additionally, we will discuss how to navigate the process through the Copyright Office and Harry Fox Agency, providing you with a holistic view of your options.
Understanding the Basics
To start, it is essential to understand what licensing entails. Licensing typically refers to the legal permission granted to use someone else's copyrighted material. For cover songs, this includes obtaining the necessary rights to perform, distribute, and monetize the song. This is particularly critical if you are looking to distribute your covered song across multiple platforms.
DistroKid
Pros: Fast distribution to numerous platforms. Affordable annual fee. Unlimited uploads.
Cons: Does not handle mechanical licensing for cover songs directly; you must obtain a mechanical license separately.
DistroKid is a great option if you are primarily focused on distribution. With its fast and easy-to-use platform, it allows you to distribute your cover songs to numerous digital music stores and streaming services. However, as mentioned, you need to secure a mechanical license separately, which can be a hassle.
TuneCore
Pros: Offers mechanical licensing services for cover songs. Good distribution network.
Cons: Charges per release, which can add up if you plan to release many songs.
TuneCore is another popular choice, especially if you are looking to secure mechanical licensing for your cover songs. It provides a broad distribution network across various platforms. However, the per-release charge model can become costly if you plan to release multiple songs. This makes it a more suitable option for those with a smaller catalog of songs.
CD Baby
Pros: Provides mechanical licensing for cover songs. Strong distribution options. Additional services like sync licensing.
Cons: Takes a percentage of your earnings. Upfront fees can be higher than some competitors.
CD Baby is a comprehensive solution that offers both mechanical licensing and strong distribution options. It provides additional services such as sync licensing, making it a versatile choice for aspiring music creators. However, CD Baby takes a percentage of your earnings, and the upfront fees can be higher compared to other competitors. This means that if you are focused on maximizing your earnings, you might want to consider your budget and needs more carefully.
Loudr
Pros: Specifically focused on licensing cover songs, making it easier to obtain the necessary rights.
Cons: Limited distribution compared to others. Primarily used for licensing.
Loudr is a specialized licensing company that focuses specifically on cover songs. This can make the licensing process simpler and more straightforward for those who are primarily interested in covering and distributing their own songs. However, its limited distribution network and narrow focus mean that you may need to supplement your efforts with other services or platforms.
Alternative Routes: The Copyright Office and Harry Fox Agency
If you are interested in a more independent approach, you can consider going through the Copyright Office or theHarry Fox Agency. Both offer mechanical licensing, which can be more cost-effective for smaller indie artists.
Copyright Office
The Copyright Office allows you to get a mechanical license for a straightforward fee of 9.1 cents per CD or download. However, you must account for sales monthly, even if there are none, which can be cumbersome.
Han Fox Agency
The Harry Fox Agency, located in NYC, offers better accounting terms but requires a flat fee to cover the first 1000 downloads or CD sales. An associate states that they also make you jump through hoops, such as hearing a copy of the song before issuing the license.
Direct Publisher Licensing
You can also directly approach the publisher, with the same 9.1 cents fee. However, you will have to adhere to their terms and conditions.
Sync Licenses
For sync licenses, you should go through the publisher. However, due to YouTube’s licensing agreements with 95% of publishers, using cover songs on YouTube usually isn't an issue.
Conclusion
The choice of licensing company ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are primarily focused on cover songs and need mechanical licensing, CD Baby or TuneCore might be the best options. If you are looking for a straightforward approach to distribution and are willing to handle licensing separately, DistroKid is a solid choice. For more personalized and specialized services, Loudr could be worth considering. Additionally, exploring the alternative routes provided by the Copyright Office and the Harry Fox Agency can offer a cost-effective solution for smaller artists.