How do I credit the copyright holders?

Properly crediting copyright holders is an important final step in your music release. The exact requirements and best practices depend heavily on the type of license you secured through Easy Song. Here is a complete guide on how to handle credits for your specific project.

Cover Song Licensing (Audio-Only Releases)

For standard audio-only releases (such as Spotify, Apple Music, CDs, or Vinyl) secured through our Cover Song Licensing service, follow these steps once your song status reads "Licensed":

• Locate the Credit Text: Go to your Easy Song project page. Copy the complete text provided below each song title exactly as it appears.

• Include Key Details: Paste this text into your album artwork or digital metadata. This should include the Song Title, Composers, and Publishers.

• What if no publisher is listed? Sometimes, we license a song directly with the composer or through the United States Copyright Office. In these situations, simply follow the instructions above and paste the exact text provided.

• Is it legally required? Because standard audio-only covers utilize a Compulsory Mechanical License, written credits are generally a professional courtesy rather than a strict legal requirement. However, it is always best practice to include them to respect the original creators.

Enhance Your Artwork: The Seal of Authenticity

If you want to provide verifiable proof of your licensing directly on your physical or digital artwork, consider adding the Seal of Authenticity.

• What it is: A scannable QR code placed on your album art that links directly to IDBLM.org (International Database of Licensed Music).

• The Benefit: In addition to adding professional credibility and peace of mind, purchasing the Seal of Authenticity includes free reorders for life on that specific project.

Custom Licensing (Video, Print, Samples, and More)

If you used our Custom Licensing services to clear rights for YouTube, film, sheet music, theatrical stages, or derivative works (like medleys or lyric changes), the rules are much stricter.

• Follow Your Agreement: Custom Licensing involves direct, special negotiation with publishers and labels. Therefore, you are legally bound to credit the copyright holder exactly as instructed in your final license documents.

• Fallback Rule: If your custom agreement explicitly lacks crediting instructions, we suggest defaulting to the standard Cover Song format (Song Title, Composer, Publisher).

Dealing with Design Limitations

We understand that sometimes physical media (like vinyl sleeves or cassette inserts) has severe space limitations.

• For Cover Song Licenses: If design constraints make it impossible to include full text credits, you can leave them out.

• For Custom Licenses: You must ensure you are not violating the terms of your negotiated agreement by omitting credits. Always default to the signed agreement.