There’s no doubt about it, releasing a remix is one of the best ways for DJs and producers to find new audiences and get great exposure off the back of an already existing hit. Not to mention it could get you on the radar of some of your favourite inspirational artists!
But when it comes to the legal stuff, you need to make sure you’re doing everything by the book. Especially when it involves the use of someone else’s intellectual property. So here’s how to release your next awesome remix without getting - you know – sued.
So what is a remix?
Well, by definition:
"A remix is sound recording that has been edited or 're-worked' to sound different from the original song."
Unlike a cover, a remix differs in that it uses the original recording, and is not just a re-creation of it.
This means to release a remix legally, you must seek copyright permission from the original artist or band who created the song or the sample you want to remix or reuse.
First, you need to find out who the copyright owner of the song is. For example, the song may be owned by multiple songwriters, and you’ll need permission from each of them before you can do any mixing of the sorts.
If you don’t already know who owns it, locate the track on Spotify. You’ll be able to tell from here whether the original artist is signed to a label or whether they’re working independently via a music distributer.
Once you’ve found out who the rights-holder(s) are, try and contact them directly.
Usually the artist (or label) will have contact details on their official website or in their SoundCloud description.
Ideally you’re looking for an email address of the artist or an A&R manager if they’re signed to a specific label.
If they’re a more well-known and established artist, direct contact may not be the best way to approach this.
Instead, it may prove better to find the artist or songwriter music publisher or collection society and get in contact with them to seek permission to use the artist’s music.
A strong remix pitch is a value proposition to both the label and the original artist.
Remember - there’s value to be gained for both parties in terms of royalties cash-ins.
So when it comes to writing and sending the actual email, the key is to simply be clear and forthcoming. By seeking permission to remix their music, you’re asking them for a favour.
So be upfront and honest about what you want – but also confident in your own ability.
A strong remix pitch might read something like the below email template:
If you don’t have a previous release that did well, substitute it with another success story of yours. And if you don’t have that, just leave it out altogether.
But do make sure you’ve included a link to either your Spotify, SoundCloud or another music platform they can check you out on.
If an artist doesn’t vibe with your remix or they don’t wanna release their stems, then simply move on brother.
There’s no point wasting valuable creative time trying to bargain with an artist who just isn’t interested. Not when there’ll be another who is.
Remember – it’s the rights holder’s approval that matters. So even if a signed artist has granted the majority of their rights to a label (boo), they can usually still grant approvals for remixes and uploads, without the label’s knowledge (woo).
But let’s say both label and artist say no - you might be tempted to upload it anyway – but we’d highly recommend against doing that
The potential gain you could get from releasing a ‘bootleg remix’ is more often outweighed by the associated risks (unless you get as lucky as Kygo).
Although bootlegging has definitely seen its heyday, today platforms have much more developed audio-fingerprinting. Meaning the chances of your bootleg cut of Ed Sheeran’s latest track getting pulled up, are high.
Plus you’ll have to transfer every dime earned back to the original artist.
Benefits of getting permission:
- Your remix will be sellable: this means you can upload it, publicise and share it on your own accounts and gain money from it, without the fear of it being taken down for copyright infringement.
- You can get provided with stems of the track: this gives you a lot more flexibility and creative freedom when actually making the mix.
But all may not be lost!
Oftentimes an original artist will only accept a remix deal if they like the actual remix themselves – meaning most remixes will only be accepted on a ‘speculative basis’.
This can make it more difficult when it comes to asking for permission, as some artists may just not like your version and give it a cold hard “No.”
But – while an artist may not really vibe with the remix you’ve made for them ‘on spec’, you may still be able to get upload permission for YouTube and SoundCloud – what’s known as ‘social-only remixes’.
If you politely request the use of the song for social-use only and not for an official release, there’s a chance the artist will allow it. You’d just need to clarify in writing that it would be for non-commercial use only.
If you’re planning on spinning the DJ decks on Friday night with your latest remix, a performance permit will typically be required.
However it is usually the responsibility of the bar and/or club owners to pay for these permits, not musicians.
Even so, make sure you check up on the performance rights situation with the venue you’re performing at before you start dropping any beats, to avoid getting into legal trouble.
Putting out a remix can be a great strategy for new audiences to hear your music. However – do not ignore the legal procedures for this type of release. The information in this post will keep you on the straight and narrow and out of any sticky legal situations!
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