Published: 10/11/2026
Source: ReverbNation — Can I Include a Cover Song in My Release for Digital Distribution?
ReverbNation says artists distributing a cover must control their newly recorded master and obtain the appropriate mechanical license for the underlying song.
A cover creates a new sound recording, but the original composition—its lyrics and melody—remains separately protected. ReverbNation directs artists to identify the relevant songwriters and publishers and retain copies of their licenses in case the distributor requests them.
A mechanical license does not authorize sampling the original master. It also generally does not clear a cover for use in a music video; synchronization rights must be negotiated separately with the composition’s rights holders.
What this means for AI music creators: Generating a new recording of an existing song does not erase the composition license. Using an original recording, an unauthorized sample or a recognizable cloned voice can introduce additional rights questions that a standard mechanical license does not solve.
Practical takeaway: Confirm the song is eligible for a cover license, identify every publisher, secure the license for the intended formats and verify current statutory rates and distributor requirements before release.