Music Copyright - Mechanical License for Music (Why Distrokid Can't License Translated Songs)

This is the 2nd episode in a series to discuss copyright (especially music copyright for cover musicians). This episode will cover the mechanical license (also called a compulsory license), including its many restrictions and limitations. This will help to explain why Distrokid has recently begun enforcing a policy against licensing covers with translated lyrics -- translated songs are derivative works, which aren't in scope for a mechanical license!

As you watch this video, you should notice that we talk a lot about licensing cover for sale on audio-only platforms like iTunes, Spotify, Amazon music, etc., In episode 3, we'll discuss further why remixes, derivative works, and YouTube music videos are a bit more complicated.

*****

►SUBSCRIBE TODAY!◄

►Discuss on Discord◄

►Pledge on Patreon!◄

----------
►EQUIPMENT◄
🎷 Instrument : Yamaha YAS-62III
Mouthpiece: JodyJazz HR 6M
Ligature: Rovner C1RL MK III
Reed: Vandoren Java 2

🎤 Mic: Electro Voice RE-20
📷 Camera: Canon EOS SL1/100D

🎛️ DAW: Reaper
🎞️ Video Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro CC
#subversiveasset #vgm

[KadeKalka]

I'm loving these videos, because I go in thinking that I know everything about licensing... and then I realize that I DON'T know everything about licensing.

[DacianGradaMusic]

sneak peek of the next episode: _rekt_

nice refresher of already researched and talked about info + i learned more! this should be pinned everywhere when people have any doubts about the subject.

[RoPanuganti]

This needs to be required viewing before entering music. Also nice Kanji ;)

Im thoroughly impressed with how clearly you explained Mech Licensing to where a 12 year old could get it

[santiagoyudchak]

Hi there, i love your videos. One question, cause my english aint that good... I'm an artist that translates songs (obviously i do play the music live, and make some arrangements, etc) and i want to upload some of those: what can i do? THANKS

[losvegasmusic]

Great video . I have an original instrumental and i recorded using spanish which is different from the original english song . i used a minute long melody of the original lyrics from the original song( differentology by bunji garlin ) .but my lyics are completly different only melody same. I did get a content id claim on my video and shared revenue which i loaded on a private link . My question at this point can i upload to distrokid ? And is this consider a cover .

Great videos, I'm waiting for part 3 !

I'm wondering, when I have uploaded a VGM cover on YouTube, I didn't ask the artists for a license (I'm in France but the rules are also 98% de same) to play it in a derivative way.
So they could come one day and ask me to remove it and/or to pay something ?

While I'm still a small channel, maybe I'm hidden.
Or maybe these artists don't care or are proud we cover them.

When will I need to go to a Distrokid/Soundrop/others way ? Do I really have to do it ?



Also, should I choose YouTube Standard License or Creative Commons on YouTube ?

[undisclosedbeats]

Hey there! Great video BTW. I just have one question for you. Would I have to copyright my original music before or after uploading to distrokid?. I was wondering if they automatically cover it or not.

[oss]

Great video!!! I can't find the part 3 just the 2.5
What happend?

[spencer]

@10:38, just to clarify, are you saying that a medley would require the 9.1 cent royalty for each composition used in the medley? So, if your medley contains 6 compositions, you would have to pay 54.6 cent, correct?

[unpredictableperductions]

If u write your own music but u use industry beats wat kind of License do u need to Distribute the song please let me know

[tyseltaebeht]

Did the words come first or the writing? 🧐