What should I keep in mind when creating a cover song, an arrangement, or a remix?

First, the good news: It is generally possible to release cover versions, remixes, and adaptations through recordJet. At first glance, these may seem like variations of the same process - but legally, they are three distinct categories, each with its own licensing requirements.

A cover is a new recording of an existing work in which the melody, harmony, and lyrics remain essentially unchanged. This applies only to the composition, not to the original recording. Since composers and publishers are usually members of a collecting society (e.g., GEMA, ASCAP), the use of a registered work for a faithful cover version is generally already covered by a flat-rate royalty - so individual permission is usually not required.

Exception: If the work is not registered with a copyright collective, permission must be obtained directly.

When a composition is adapted, the composition itself is altered - for example, through a new arrangement, modified harmonies, or rewritten lyrics. The right to adapt a composition belongs to the copyright holders or the publisher; collecting societies generally do not automatically include this right in their licenses. Therefore, individual permission must be obtained from the copyright holders of the composition prior to publication.

Exception: For works in the public domain, there is no obligation to obtain a license from the original composer, as copyright no longer applies. However, caution is advised if you are basing your work on an existing, copyrighted adaptation by a third party (e.g., a specific arrangement) - in such cases, a license is required. In addition, a specific recording of a public-domain work remains separately protected regardless of this.

A remix typically uses elements of the original recording (stems, samples, vocals) rather than producing a new recording. This involves two rights: the right to the composition (if the structure is altered) and the neighboring right of the sound recording producer for the use of the master. A remix therefore usually requires dual licensing - from the rights holders of both the composition and the recording.

In addition to legal clarification, the store itself also plays a role. With traditional DSPs (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon Music, Tidal, etc.), the distribution of covers, edits, and remixes is not an issue as long as the necessary rights and proof of ownership are in place.

The situation is different for exclusive stores: TikTok, Instagram/Facebook/WhatsApp, Snap (via 7Digital), and YouTube Content ID. These platforms use audio fingerprinting and only accept content that is 100% exclusive to you:

The legal classification therefore determines what may be published - and the store category also determines where.

The more a work or recording is altered, the more approvals are required: Covers are usually straightforward, while adaptations and remixes require active rights clearance in advance.