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Can I release cover songs, remixes or songs using samples?

If you release a cover, remix or a song that uses samples, it’s likely you will need to purchase a license before releasing your music to avoid any possible legal action from the original copyright holders. 

A cover song is any new recording of a song that was previously written, recorded, and released by someone else. You own the recording (your version), but the original songwriter owns the composition itself (lyrics, melody and song structure).

If you plan on distributing Cover Songs, Remixes, Mixtapes, Or Mashups with Kami Records, you will need to obtain a mechanical license from the original copyright holder before you release your song digitally.
You can look into purchasing a mechanical license for a cover song in the:

Affordable Song Licensing

$12 PER SONG (So Cheapest)
No need for volume discounts.
No annual memberships for discounted rates.
No surprise fees.
No add-ons or labels to make your license appear more official.
ASL Experts are available by email or phone Monday – Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm EST
You get proof of licensing in your email (PDF document).

Easy Song Licensing

$16.99 $13.59* per song plus royalties.
Fast, Easy, Complete
Legally release your version of any song in 1-2 business days.
You can talk to a real person who will handle everything for you.
We clear 100% of the rights you need, guaranteed.
You get proof of licensing in your email (PDF document).
Each request is securely saved online in your account.


 
The same rules apply to remixes, mixtapes, or mashups if they include samples of a recording you did not record yourself. You MUST have a license from the owner of that original recording in order to distribute these releases. You cannot distribute any content through Kami Records if you do not have 100% of the rights to that content.

If you have any concerns at all that you may not have rights to any audio in a remix, mix tape or mashup you’re uploading, please do not upload that song(s) to Kami Records.

Important: iTunes and many other platforms do not accept soundalike cover songs.

A soundalike cover is a song that sounds almost identical to the original. Stores consider this content deceptive and misleading and do not want their customers to purchase this material by mistake. If you distribute soundalike covers they will get hidden by the stores and we will not be able to reverse this or issue any refunds.
When distributing a cover song, please follow the below formatting guidelines:

Cover songs should NOT include the original performing artist in the track title or artist field.

INCORRECT:
My Way (Originally Performed by Yuki Okami)
My Way (Cover of Yuki Okami)
My Way (Tribute to Yuki Okami)

CORRECT:
My Way
My Way (Acoustic Version)

Updated on 28 June, 2022

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