Hi, I’m a little bit confused when it comes to the whole licensing thing regarding covers. I’ve read through iMusician’s guides but I feel like there is some conflicting information in them.
For example, in this article, at the beginning you state that ever since the introduction of MMA and MLC mechanical licenses for digital streaming are handled by the DSPs. But at the same time, at the very bottom of the article, it’s stated that distributing covers to North America requires a mechanical license (isn’t that what the MMA and MLC is for? For the US market at least.) Additionally, in this article, you say that mechanical licenses are only necessary if the rights-owners are based in North America.
My situation is that I want to release my covers to Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube Music, Instagram, and Tiktok. I’ve done some “research” into this topic and it seems like
Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube Music all handle the licensing themselves as they have blanket licenses with the MLC for “interactive streams”, “limited downloads” and Apple has additional “permanent downloads” license for iTunes. I’m not sure how it works with Tiktok or Instagram, but I guess it depends on the deal the platforms have with publishers as to whether the cover will be released there? For Canada the CMRRA obligates all of the aformentioned streaming platforms to handle licensing and royalties payout for covers, both for streaming and digital downloads. I’m not sure about Mexico and other North American countries.
But even then, the mechanical licenses obtained from the usual providers such as Easysong.com are only valid for the US market, and Easysong.com specifically doesn’t even offer license for “interactive streams” only for “digital downloads” (and other types that are not relevant in this case).
Therefore my questions are:
As an EU citizen, do I need to obtain mechanical license when distributing worldwide to Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube Music, Instagram, and Tiktok?
If yes, are the mechanical licenses from companies that concern only the US market(e.g. Easysong.com) enough?
If yes, is the mechanical license for “digital downloads” enough?
And lastly, where do I upload the license? I’ve tested out your release dashboard, and after selecting that a track is a cover song, I don’t see the option anywhere to upload the mechanical license.
Thank you.