Copyright issues around cover songs?

Question

I want to start recording a CD, but don't feel like writing a bunch of songs right now. Can I sing/play a song (for example: Jessica Simpson) and put it on a CD to sell? I'm confused as to how cover songs work. Do I need to get permission for each song I do? Can I perform it exactly or do I need to change it up a bit?

Answer 1

If you're going to cover someone else's song, you need to find out who owns that song and work out licensing arrangements with them. Most are listed with BMI or ASCAP, and can give you details on costs to use music.

Changing a couple of words has no legal effect. If it's someone else's song, you need to pay.

Answer 2

You don't even have to make the same song and still get sued. Look at how Queen sued Vanilla Ice for "Ice Ice Baby", or Coolio suing Wierd Al for "Amish Paradise".

You have to get permission period.

For Example about the rights. To do a Beatles cover and sell it, you have to talk to Micheal Jackson. He owns the rights to ANYTHING Beatles related.

That doesn't mean you can't perform a cover in front of a FREE audience though. The only thing free you can do these days without permission is stand out in the street corner and perform a cover song.

Answer 3

You will get sued for copyright infringement if you don't get permission from the owners (the writer or performer may not be the owner) of any songs you want to cover if you sell your CD.

You may live perform any song without permission or record for your own use any song but SELLING it is the key point.

Answer 4

Why don't you check into public domain songs? There are many of them which are still very popular. You might revive something. I don't know just what style you prefer, but Irving Berlin outlived the rights to many of his songs before the laws were changed. Just check for alternatives. Get permission or write your own as alternatives. Not everyone will charge for permission. Most do, but some don't.

Answer 5

If you plan on selling your version of someone else's song, you must get permission from the songwriter (not necessarily the performer).

Answer 6

you must get permission from the person who WROTE the song (or owns the rights to it), not necissarily the same person that sings it. Yes, you need separate permission for every song you want to do.

Answer 7

The song is copyrighted, end of story.
It's not who wrote the song!
It's who own the rights to the song and most likely that is the recording studio.
You can change it anyway you like, but if the artist or more likely if the studio/producer finds out and it sounds too much like the original to THEM, you will be sued.
No if, ands or buts about it.
tc

Answer 8

No you didn't. All you probably did was once a moderate amendment to the movies. dashing it up or reducing seconds out does now not make it your construction. Your notion does sound somewhat humorous however nonetheless.