Can I distribute cover songs through MRM India?

Yes, you can distribute cover songs through MRM India, but it's essential to secure the required mechanical licenses before releasing your track. Here’s how MRM India supports you through this process:

1. Guidance on Licensing Requirements: MRM India provides detailed information on the licenses needed for cover songs, including mechanical licenses, which ensure that the original songwriters receive appropriate royalties.

2. Assistance in Obtaining Licences: We can connect you with agencies and platforms that facilitate obtaining mechanical licence for the Indian market and international releases, simplifying the process.

3. Distribution with Compliance: Once the necessary licenses are in place, MRM India manages the distribution of your cover song, ensuring it complies with platform requirements and industry standards.

By following these steps, you can confidently release your cover versions while respecting the rights of the original creators, making the process smooth and legally sound.

To secure mechanical licences for cover songs, here are some agencies and platforms that can help, especially focusing on both Indian and international needs:

1. International Platforms

Harry Fox Agency (HFA)

A leading agency in the United States that handles mechanical licensing for cover songs. They manage licensing for a vast catalogue of publishers and offer an easy way to secure licences for digital downloads and streaming.

Website: https://www.harryfox.com/

Loudr

Loudr, now a part of Spotify, allows artists to obtain mechanical licences for cover songs. It’s designed to help with the complexities of licensing for digital platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

Website: https://www.loudr.fm/

Easy Song Licensing

This platform helps secure mechanical licences for cover songs, providing services for both physical releases (CDs and vinyl) and digital distribution.

Website: https://www.easysonglicensing.com/

Songfile (by HFA)

Songfile is a service provided by the Harry Fox Agency for individual licences, allowing artists to easily obtain licences for smaller quantities of cover songs.

Website: https://www.songfile.com/

2. Indian Agencies and Licensing

IPRS (Indian Performing Right Society)

While IPRS primarily deals with performing rights and public performance licences, they can provide guidance on acquiring mechanical licences for cover versions within India. They can also connect you to publishers who hold the mechanical rights to songs.

Website: https://www.iprs.org/

PPL India (Phonographic Performance Ltd.)

PPL India manages licences for sound recordings in India, which is crucial if your cover involves any existing recordings. They might also guide you through securing the necessary mechanical licences for a cover release.

Website: https://www.pplindia.org/

Local Music Publishers

Often, the best way to secure a mechanical licence in India is by contacting the music publisher directly. This could be T-Series, Saregama, or other publishers that hold the mechanical rights to specific songs.

Summary

For international releases, platforms like Harry Fox Agency, Loudr, and Easy Song Licensing are often the go-to. In India, while IPRS and PPL might not directly issue mechanical licences, they can provide essential guidance and connections to relevant publishers for obtaining the licences you need.