How to Collect Royalties for a Remix or Cover

Remixes and covers are popular ways for artists to reimagine original songs, giving them a new twist or bringing them to a different audience. However, a common question that arises among musicians and producers is: Can I collect royalties for a remix or cover? The answer to this question depends on several factors, including copyright, licensing, and agreements between the parties involved.

In this blog, we’ll explore how royalties work in the case of remixes and covers, and what you need to know to ensure you are adequately compensated for your work.

What Are Music Royalties?

Before diving into the topic of remixes and covers, it's important to understand what music royalties are. Royalties are payments made to copyright holders (composers, lyricists, music publishers, etc.) whenever their work is used in some way, whether on the radio, on streaming platforms, at live concerts, in movies, or in any other medium.

There are several types of royalties, including:

• Public Performance Royalties: Paid when a song is played in public, such as on the radio, at a concert, or on television.
• Mechanical Royalties: Paid for the reproduction of a song in a physical or digital format, such as on CDs, vinyl records, or digital downloads.
• Synchronization Royalties: Paid when a song is used in combination with images, such as in a movie, TV show, or advertisement.

Royalties for Remixes

A remix is an altered or reinterpreted version of an existing song. In a remix, the producer or DJ may change the rhythm, add new musical elements, or modify the structure of the original song. Although the remix is a new creation, it is still based on the original song, meaning the original composer's copyright remains relevant.

Can I Collect Royalties for a Remix?

To collect royalties for a remix, you must ensure that you have obtained the appropriate permissions from the copyright holder of the original song. This typically involves obtaining a license or agreement with the copyright holder, who could be the composer, record label, or music publisher.

Types of Royalties for Remixes

1. Public Performance Royalties: If the remix is played on the radio, in a club, or at a live event, you may be eligible to receive public performance royalties, provided this is agreed upon in the contract.
2. Mechanical Royalties: If the remix is sold in a physical or digital format, such as on streaming platforms or online music stores, you can receive mechanical royalties, depending on the agreements made with the original song's copyright holder.

Licenses for Remixes

To legally create a remix and collect royalties, you need to obtain a license from the copyright holder. This could be a synchronization license if the remix will be used in combination with images, or a master license if you plan to distribute the remix commercially.

Royalties for Covers

A cover is an interpretation of a song that has already been recorded and published by another artist. Unlike a remix, a cover does not significantly alter the structure or composition of the original song, but it may have a different style or approach.

Can I Collect Royalties for a Cover?

Yes, you can collect royalties for a cover, but the process is a bit different from that of a remix. To legally record and distribute a cover, you need to obtain a mechanical license. This license gives you the right to reproduce and distribute the song in a physical or digital format, but it does not give you the right to change the composition of the song.

Types of Royalties for Covers

1. Public Performance Royalties: As with a remix, if your cover is played on the radio, at a concert, or in another public venue, you can receive public performance royalties. However, the original composer will also receive a portion of these royalties.
2. Mechanical Royalties: If you sell or distribute the cover in a physical or digital format, you will be eligible to receive mechanical royalties. However, a portion of these royalties will go to the original composer of the song.

Licenses for Covers

To record and distribute a cover, you need to obtain a mechanical license, which can typically be acquired through agencies like the Harry Fox Agency or directly from the copyright holder. This license ensures that the original composer receives royalties whenever your version of the song is sold or distributed.

Both remixes and covers are valuable ways to reinterpret music, and the artists and producers who create them have the right to be compensated for their work. However, to collect royalties for a remix or cover, it is crucial that you obtain the appropriate licenses and follow the regulations set by the original song's copyright holders.