Mechanical License

What is a Mechanical License?

A mechanical license is a legal agreement that grants permission to reproduce and distribute a copyrighted musical composition. It allows the licensee (typically an artist or record label) to record and release a cover version of someone else's song. The original songwriters or copyright holders are compensated for each reproduction of the song, whether it's sold as a physical copy, a digital download, or streamed interactively

What you need to know!

Reproduction Rights: The license covers the right to reproduce the musical composition in a physical or digital form. This includes pressing CDs, creating vinyl records, and offering digital downloads

Distribution: The license also includes the right to distribute the reproduced copies, whether through physical sales, online stores, or streaming services

Payment of Royalties: When you obtain a mechanical license, you agree to pay royalties to the original songwriters or copyright holders for each copy sold or distributed. The rates are typically set by law or industry standards

Cover Songs: Mechanical licenses are most commonly associated with cover songs—when an artist records and releases their version of a song originally written and performed by someone else

When do I need a Mechanical License?

Ready to release your cover song? Hold up—there's one important ticket you need to punch: a mechanical license! Here's when you'll need it:

Digital Downloads: Planning to sell your cover on platforms like iTunes or Amazon Music? You’ll need a mechanical license to ensure the original songwriters get their fair share of the action for every download.

Physical Copies: Going old school with CDs or vinyl? A mechanical license is your backstage pass to legally reproduce and distribute your cover in physical form.

Interactive Streaming: Got your sights set on Spotify or Apple Music? If listeners can pick and play your track on demand, a mechanical license is required. Some platforms might handle it for you, so be sure to check the fine print.

Ringtones: Want your cover to be the next catchy ringtone? Yup, you guessed it—a mechanical license is needed here too.

But wait, there’s more! No need to worry about non-interactive streaming (like Pandora or some internet radios), where listeners can't choose specific songs. You’re in the clear there!

In a nutshell: If your cover can be downloaded, physically produced, or streamed on demand, grab that mechanical license to make sure everything is done legally!

How do I get a Mechanical License?

To obtain a mechanical license, you can use Easy Song. There you can purchase a license and ensure you are legally covered to release a cover song!

How do I find out if I’m owed Mechanical Royalties?

To find out if you are owed any mechanical royalties you can either check with a mechanical licensing’s company like MCAPS for the UK or you can sign up to KYCKER Publishing which will let you know will at the end of each month if you are owed!