A cover is when you perform or record a song originally created by someone else.
Even if it's a fresh interpretation of the original song, it's still a cover.
When you cover a song you need permission to perform, record, or share it.
This doesn’t mean you need to contact the songwriter directly. Many organisations such as schools and local venues already have a licence in place.
Sampling Myths & facts
Myth
If I change the style, it's not a cover
Fact
Even if you make it sound totally different - it's still a cover.
Myth
If I only sing or play a small part of another song inside my own song, it’s not a cover.
Fact
Even a small, recognisable part of another song is still their copyright. You may still need permission.
Famous Covers
This is G Flip’s cover Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift. G Flip would have needed permission to cover and release the song.
The Wiggles covered Tame Impala’s Elephant combining it with their own song Fruit Salad. This is still a cover even though they use parts of their own song. The Wiggles would need permission to cover Elephant.
Cake’s version of I Will Survive has a very different feel to the original. But it’s still a cover and they would have needed permission to cover it.
Eliza Hull’s cover of Tomorrow by Silverchair is in a different style – but it’s still a cover.
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In Australia, schools often have a blanket licence (e.g., from APRA AMCOS, PPCA, and OneMusic Australia), which allow live performances of covers without needing individual permission.
Most venues in Australia will also have a blanket licence – so you won’t need permission. However, some venues might not have a licence, in which case the performer may need to obtain permission.
If you record a cover and release it – you need permission from the copyright owners.
