Hi!
I’m new here. I am looking at releasing a version of “In the Pines”. This song (lyrics etc) date back to the mid 1800s and it was an American folk song. The age of the song means it is in the public domain. The artist who wrote the song is unknown due to the age of the piece. Versions of the song have previously been released by Nirvana and Leadbelly.
The version I would be releasing would be my own take on the song, and I would be playing all of the instruments etc myself with no sampling. I would be adding some original instrumental parts of my own, including some folk style and instruments along with a heavier rock section.
Would this need to be listed as a Cover? Or would it be released as my own version given that it is an old song and ‘in the public domain’, and not the exact same style as previous versions?
Many thanks!
Hey @Jiminho, as you will be changing the original arrangement of the song by adding new parts, this is no longer a cover but an edit.
However, since this song is in the public domain, you don’t need a license. Just make sure to credit Traditional Traditional as lyricist and composer and then add your own name as composer and arranger 
Hope this helps,
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Thank you so much for your response.
I’ve never released anything before so your help is really appreciated.
I’m in the early recording stages, so it is helpful to know what to do once it is recorded etc.
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You’re welcome! Glad I could help 