If you are releasing a song originally written by another songwriter, you must correctly identify it as a cover when distributing through nodable.

A cover is a new recording of an existing song. You perform and record the song yourself, but the underlying composition was written by someone else.

To distribute a cover correctly, follow these three steps.

1. Get the necessary license

Before distributing a cover, make sure you have the necessary license or permission to use the original composition.

The rights to the original recording and the rights to the underlying composition are different.

If you have created your own recording of the song, you generally do not need to own the original artist's master recording. However, you still need the appropriate rights to use the underlying composition and to distribute your version.

Depending on the country, territory and type of release, different licensing rules may apply. For example, compulsory mechanical licensing exists in the United States for certain eligible cover songs, subject to specific requirements.

Do not upload a cover if you do not have the necessary rights.

If you are unsure whether your version qualifies as a cover or which license you need, obtain confirmation from the relevant rights holder or a qualified music-rights professional before distributing.

Useful links: https://www.easysong.com/services/licensing/get-permission/cover-songs/

2. Select "Cover" in the Track Properties

When creating your release on Nodable, you must correctly identify the track as a cover.

In the Track Properties, select:

Cover Song → Yes

This tells Nodable and the DSPs that the composition was written by someone other than the artist performing the new recording.

This information is important because cover songs can require different rights administration and royalty processing.

Other major distributors use the same principle: during the upload process, the distributor asks you to indicate that another person wrote the song and that the recording is a cover.

Important

Selecting "Cover" does not give you permission to use the song.

You must have the appropriate license or authorization separately.

3. Enter the Original Songwriters in the Metadata

When entering the track metadata, the songwriters/composers must be the original authors of the composition.

For example:

Your recording:
Artist Name – Song Title

Original songwriters:
Original Songwriter 1
Original Songwriter 2

Do not replace the original songwriters with the name of the artist performing your cover.

The artist and the songwriter are not necessarily the same person.

For example, if Artist A originally performed a song written by Songwriter B, and you record your own version, Songwriter B remains the songwriter of the composition.

Make sure the songwriter names are entered accurately and consistently with the official rights information.

Cover vs. Remix vs. Sample

It is important to understand the difference.

Cover

You record the song yourself.

Example:
You record your own version of a song originally performed by another artist.

→ This can be a cover.

Remix

You modify or remix someone else's existing recording.

Example:
You take the original master recording and create a new remix.

→ A cover license does not normally cover this. You may need permission from the owner of the original master and other relevant rights.

Sample

You use audio taken from another recording.

Example:
You take a vocal, instrumental, drum loop or other section from an existing commercial recording and use it in your track.

→ This is not a standard cover and requires the appropriate permission for the recording and/or composition.

Interpolation

You recreate a musical element from an existing composition without using the original audio recording.

→ This is different from a cover and can require separate permissions.

Quick Checklist

Before submitting your cover through Nodable, make sure:

• You have obtained the necessary license or permission for the original composition.

• You recorded the song yourself.

• You are not using the original master recording or unauthorized samples.

• Cover Song is selected in the Track Properties.

• The original songwriters/composers are entered correctly in the metadata.

• The original artist is not incorrectly listed as the songwriter unless they actually wrote the composition.

• The title and songwriter information are accurate.

• You have documentation proving your license or permission, if applicable.

What happens if the information is incorrect?

Incorrect cover information can cause problems during distribution, including metadata corrections, royalty issues, delays or potential takedowns.

DSPs and rights holders need accurate information to identify the underlying composition and ensure that the appropriate rights holders receive the royalties associated with the composition. Cover licensing systems used by distributors are specifically designed to account for these songwriter payments.

For this reason, always declare a cover correctly instead of submitting it as an original song.

Nodable Tip

When in doubt, don't guess.

If you are not sure whether your recording is a cover, remix, interpolation or sample-based work, check the rights situation before submitting the release.

The easiest rule to remember is:

You recorded it yourself → check if it's a cover.
You used someone else's recording → check for master rights.
You changed or reused someone else's composition → check the composition rights.

Correct metadata and licensing help Nodable deliver your music to DSPs with the right information from the beginning.