At Kingsmen Studio, you can distribute both cover songs and remixes, but they require different levels of permission and compliance depending on the content. Below is a clear breakdown to help you avoid copyright issues and DSP rejections.
✅ Cover Songs
A cover song is your own recording of a previously released composition (i.e. you didn’t write the song, but you created a new master).
What’s Required:
You must have the legal right to distribute it — typically through a mechanical license.
You must credit the original composer(s) of the song. Do not credit the original performing artist unless they are the composer.
Example (Correct Formatting):
Track title: Your Song (Cover)
Credits:
Composer: Elton John
Performer: [Your Artist Name]
❌ Do not use: Cover of Elton John or Tribute to Beyoncé
⚠️ Note: Even if the word “cover” is in your title, DSPs will reject it if credits are missing or inaccurate.
❌ Remixes, Mashups, Samples, and Interpolations
Any of the following fall under derivative works and require full licensing from the original rights holders:
Remix – uses the original sound recording
Mashup – combines two or more original songs
Sample – includes parts of a previous track
Interpolation – re-records a melody or lyric from an existing composition
You must obtain:
A Master Use License (for the original sound recording)
A Composition License (for the musical work)
Without both, you may not legally distribute the release through Kingsmen Studio.
DSP Rules & Rejections
DSPs (like Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, etc.) strictly monitor derivative content. Uploading without proper rights can lead to:
Automatic takedowns
Rejection during delivery
Legal claims and blocked accounts
Kingsmen Studio Requirements for These Releases
Type of Track | Can You Distribute? | What You Must Provide |
Cover | ✅ Yes | Composer credits + proper formatting |
Remix | ✅ Only with license | Proof of license from original rightsholder |
Sample/Mashup | ✅ Only with license | Proof of license for every sampled element |
Interpolation | ✅ Only with license | Proof of composition rights |
Need Help?
If you're unsure whether your track qualifies as a cover, remix, or derivative work — or need assistance obtaining licenses — contact our team at [email protected] before uploading.