How To Produce a Cover Song?
Have you ever wondered about making a cover song of your favorite single? Maybe you started working around an acapella from your favorite song, but you’re unsure how to make it unique in your own way?
Well, I’m going to go through some important steps that will make sure you can create your very first cover song in your own, unique style.
What makes a "Cover" song?
Cover songs are reinterpretations of existing songs. It’s basically a new recording or performance of a song by an artist other than the original performer or composer(s). Taking an instrumental and singing over it won’t really make a cover song. Yes, it’s a good idea, but not certainly a cover song.
Next, I’m presenting you steps to make your cover song which you should educate yourself about.
Step 1: Follow The Original, But Don't Copy!
As I mentioned, singing over an instrumental of the original composition won’t get you anywhere. Instead, follow the original structure of the song and keep certain key elements of it so you can be able to actually release it. By “key elements”, I refer to melody, lyrics, chords, instrument choice etc. This doesn’t mean you should use the exact same instruments & vocals, since that’s again not a cover song.
To understand better, here’s one example. If the original song used some great pianos to create those catchy chords and melodies, get your guitar or hire someone to play those exact chords & melodies to you. Record that in your DAW and work from that. Or, you can stay “away” from live instruments. Play those chords using some great synths in your DAW. That’s really up to you.
Step 2: The Vocals
First thing you should know is that you need to follow the original lyrics of the track you’re willing to make cover for. By taking the exact vocals from the track you’re willing to make cover for and putting it over your own instrumental won’t get you anywhere.
As I mentioned, everything must be original except the lyrics, melody, chords etc. If you’re not a singer, no worries. You can always head over to some freelancing sites or simply reach out to some singers you can get in touch with and ask them to sing those lyrics for you. I’m sure there will even be some that would love to do it for free in return for their name on your cover, which is a fair deal.
However, you can find plenty of them who just want the money in order to sing for you, which is again a fair deal.
Step 3: Make Sure it's LEGAL!
Here are some legal requirements for recording and releasing a cover song:
- Find the copyright owner: Music copyright law protects the song owners’ rights to record, perform, and distribute the song, so you’ll need to find the copyright holder or owner and reach out to them before releasing your cover. Make sure you have their allowance to do a cover.
- Be fair in terms of negotiating: As mentioned, you’ll need to have the song owners’ allowance to do a cover, so that means to send a notice of intention to the copyright owner (which can be the publishing company or the songwriter). Say your intentions and tell them you’re also going to put all the needed links in bio (to the original work).
- Pay royalties. Now, this isn’t really the area I’m specialized in, so my advice is to contact the copyright institutions in order to get all the information you need.
Step 4: Stay away from the Original Elements
I understand that sometimes it’s cool to pick the exact part of the original song and put it in your cover, and that’s absolutely okay only if you clear that part with the publisher/label or the songwriter. However, it’s much safer to create everything on your own which instantly makes your cover unique. Also, you’re not risking of your cover song being removed.
Conclusion:
Writing cover songs is great, but only if you’re being 100% original and making sure everything is order in terms of copyright and royalties. Good luck with your next covers!
If you want to add a recommendation for the future blog post and get featured on, feel free to reach to our DM on Instagram or use our e-mail address: marko@md3sign.com
Learn more from our best-sellers!
-
EQ + Compression Bundle
Original price $199.99Original price $199.99 - Original price $199.99Original price $199.99Current price $125.00$125.00 - $125.00Current price $125.00This Bundle Deal includes: The Art Of Compression:260+ pages of detailed explanationsBeginner to ProGraphic illustrationsSecret techniques used by ...
View full detailsOriginal price $199.99Original price $199.99 - Original price $199.99Original price $199.99Current price $125.00$125.00 - $125.00Current price $125.00Save 37% -
EQ Masterclass
Original price $100.00 - Original price $100.00Original price$100.00$100.00 - $100.00Current price $100.00Beginner to Pro lessons Everything you don't understand about Equalization is explained through 5h+ long Masterclass split in 28 well edited video...
View full detailsOriginal price $100.00 - Original price $100.00Original price$100.00$100.00 - $100.00Current price $100.00 -
Pro MB Pack (Compression Presets)
Original price $49.99Original price $49.99 - Original price $49.99Original price $49.99Current price $24.99$24.99 - $24.99Current price $24.99Introducing "Pro MB Presets Pack" - The Ultimate FabFilter Pro MB presets to elevate the way you compress your mixes & masters! Why You Need T...
View full detailsOriginal price $49.99Original price $49.99 - Original price $49.99Original price $49.99Current price $24.99$24.99 - $24.99Current price $24.99Save 50% -
EQ Presets Pack (FabFilter Pro Q3)
Original price $49.99Original price $49.99 - Original price $49.99Original price $49.99Current price $24.99$24.99 - $24.99Current price $24.99Introducing "EQ Presets Pack" - The Ultimate FabFilter Pro Q3 presets you need in your EQ toolkit! If you're on the market searching for some star...
View full detailsOriginal price $49.99Original price $49.99 - Original price $49.99Original price $49.99Current price $24.99$24.99 - $24.99Current price $24.99Save 50% -
The Art Of Compression
Original price $34.99 - Original price $34.99Original price$34.99$34.99 - $34.99Current price $34.99Introducing "The Art Of Compression" - The Ultimate Guide to mastering the art of audio compression. If you're looking to finally understand how th...
View full detailsOriginal price $34.99 - Original price $34.99Original price$34.99$34.99 - $34.99Current price $34.99
