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What are the pros and cons to letting another band cover a song I wrote?

Discussion in 'The Sound Hound Lounge' started by straticus, May 24, 2011.

  1. May 24, 2011 #1
    straticus

    straticus Member

    Messages:
    3,101
    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2003
    Location:
    Nevada City, Ca.
    I got a message today from a friend in another band. He wants to cover a song I wrote. I'm hesitant about it but I'm not sure why?

    I'm wondering what the potential drawbacks could be as well as what the positives that might come from it?

    The song is very special to me and I always get great feedback on it. It's on my bands latest CD. My band and I are located in Ca. and my friend lives in Oklahoma.

    I don't know if he wants to re-record it and put it on a CD of theirs or if they just want to play the song at gigs.

    I understand that I probably don't have any real power as to whether or not they cover the song. I haven't responded to the request yet. I wanted to get some feedback here first before I give them my thumbs up......or down.
     
    straticus, May 24, 2011
    straticus, May 24, 2011
    #1
  2. May 24, 2011 #2
    crzyfngers

    crzyfngers Member

    Messages:
    5,137
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    Jun 7, 2008
    Location:
    texas (lots of edible animals)
    i can't see any down-side. tell them to rock on.
     
    crzyfngers, May 24, 2011
    crzyfngers, May 24, 2011
    #2
  3. May 24, 2011 #3
    torgeot

    torgeot Supporting Member

    Messages:
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    May 31, 2007
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Make sure you have it copyrighted and publishing rights on it, and let them do it. It could lead to something good for you.
     
    torgeot, May 24, 2011
    torgeot, May 24, 2011
    #3
  4. May 24, 2011 #4
    mcknigs

    mcknigs Supporting Member

    Messages:
    7,599
    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2005
    Location:
    Alexandria, VA
    There was a similar thread here very recently. My take: I write songs. If people want to do them, great. If your friends record yours, you'll probably want to talk about mechanical royalties. That said, I've had friends record my songs and I generally haven't pursued mechanical royalties. We're friends and they help me out when they can. One band helped me pick up a Hammond A-100 (300-some lbs), hauled it in their van, and loaded it into my house.

    Also register with ASCAP, BMI ot SESAC in case the recorded songs get airplay.

    Also, make sure to go to their gigs frequently. The band will point you out from the stage and play the song. Girls will come up to you and say "you wrote that song? I love that song." Perks may follow.
     
    mcknigs, May 24, 2011
    mcknigs, May 24, 2011
    #4
  5. May 24, 2011 #5
    straticus

    straticus Member

    Messages:
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    Joined:
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    Location:
    Nevada City, Ca.
    The song has been copyrighted. But what are publishing rights?
     
    straticus, May 24, 2011
    straticus, May 24, 2011
    #5

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