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A man is playing a double bass. A man is playing a double bass.

Covers and Derivative Works Basics


1 min read


What are covers and derivative works?

Covers and derivative works are a diverse range of musical creations based on existing works.

Making AKA cover version: a performance or new sound recording of a musical work that someone else originally performed, recorded, and released. and A new work based on a pre-existing work. can be a way to pay tribute to your favorite Anyone who contributes to creating or performing a ​​musical work, a live performance, or a sound recording., put your own spin on a classic The term "song" does not have a legal definition. It is frequently used to mean "musical work” – the composition and lyrics (if any) created by songwriters and composers. However, it could also refer to a “sound recording” (a specific recording of a musical work), or a “performance” (a live performance of a musical work)., or grow your fanbase. But any time you want to use another creator’s work, a host of permissions and considerations are necessary to ensure you’re using the work correctly and not infringing on the rights of any A person or company that has Intellectual Property Rights in a musical work, performance or sound recording of the An original musical composition with or without lyrics. or Typically, the recorded performance of a musical work protected as a phonogram under copyright law..

There are many ways to use another creator’s work, but these days, some of the most common are:

  • Covering an existing musical work by recording your own performance of it

  • Remixing an existing sound recording

  • Sampling an existing sound recording

  • Creating a DJ mix of one or many existing sound recordings

  • Creating a translation of an existing musical work

We’ve got a lot more information on these in this topic so keep reading.

Image credit: Martin Dam Kristensen