A cover is a new performance of an existing composition, recorded without using or sampling the original recording. You are recreating the song - not copying the audio - so you do not need a sample clearance. However, the composition still belongs to the original songwriter(s). Traditionally, you could release a cover simply by obtaining the appropriate mechanical licence and ensuring the writers were credited and paid. But the landscape is changing. Today, many publishers and songwriters require advance approval before you release a cover, especially when: * The original writer has their own upcoming cover or remix planned * They want to control how and when the song re - enters the market * They want to avoid multiple competing versions in the same space * The cover significantly changes the style, genre, or intended meaning * The release strategy of the original or its catalogue is sensitive or time - specific So while covers don’t involve the original recording and aren’t considered sampling, writers must still respect the composition rights - and increasingly, this means that approval from the publisher and the original writers may be required. And they have no obligation to give permission, or even to give a reason for their refusal.

FAQs - Truelove Music

Q: Where / how do I enter into an agreement with Truelove Music?

You can join us by contacting Truelove Music directly via our website contact page or email. We will guide you through the agreement process, explain the terms clearly, and ensure everything is set up correctly for your compositions to be represented globally.

Q: What is a sample clearance?

Sample clearance means getting legal permission to use someone else’s work - and this applies to both sides of the copyright: 1. The master recording (owned by a label, artist, or producer) 2. The composition (owned by writers and publishers) Truelove Music is frequently involved in helping our writers to clear samples, and we also are frequently approached by third parties to clear samples from our writers' catalogues. There is no hard and fast rule as to the final agreed terms of a sample clearance. They are often rejected. Sometimes someone may demand 100% for clearing a three word hook. Some others might demand only 10%.

Q: How does Truelove Music help with plagiarism / copyright infringements / disputes?

We investigate claims, handle infringements, manage disputes, and ensure your compositions are protected worldwide. This includes pursuing unauthorised uses, negotiating settlements, and ensuring you receive appropriate credit and royalties.

Q: How and when do I get paid?

Publishing royalties flow from PROs and CMOs in each country, through our international network, and then to Truelove Music for distribution to you. Payment schedules vary - most major societies pay quarterly or biannually, and each territory reports at different times . Some societies pay very soon after the exploitation takes place (sometimes within as little as six months), some have policies to pay much more slowly

Q: Where do my royalties come from?

Royalties are generated whenever your music is used. Whether it is streamed, broadcast, downloaded, performed live, sold or licensed income is generated. Because you are a writer, you earn royalties from the composition (the underlying song). If you also release recordings as an artist, you may earn additional income separately from the master side - but these are two different revenue streams, and we as a publisher deal with the income from the composition while your record company or distributor deals with the recording income.

Q: What are Performing Rights Societies / Organisations (PRO's) ?

Royalties are generated whenever your music is used. Whether it is streamed, broadcast, downloaded, performed live, sold or licensed income is generated. Because you are a writer, you earn royalties from the composition (the underlying song). If you also release recordings as an artist, you may earn additional income separately from the master side - but these are two different revenue streams, and we as a publisher deal with the income from the composition while your record company or distributor deals with the recording income.

Q: How can Truelove Music help in getting my music signed / played / streamed / synced?

Royalties are generated whenever your music is used. Whether it is streamed, broadcast, downloaded, performed live, sold or licensed income is generated. Because you are a writer, you earn royalties from the composition (the underlying song). If you also release recordings as an artist, you may earn additional income separately from the master side - but these are two different revenue streams, and we as a publisher deal with the income from the composition while your record company or distributor deals with the recording income.

Q: What does Truelove Music do?

Truelove Music works primarily with writers and composers, specialising in electronic music. We register your compositions worldwide, collect royalties from every territory directly, resolve copyright issues, handle claims and disputes, and promote your works for sync and licensing opportunities. Many of our writers are also artists, but our core role is protecting and monetising the composition rights.

Q: What is a non featured artist?

A non - featured artist is someone who performs on the recording but is not the main credited act. For example, remixers, session players or backing vocalists. They might earn certain "neighbouring rights" royalties on the recording side, but they are not normally considered writers unless they contributed to the composition, and in the case of remixers, if the original composers agree to give them a share (which is rare). This operates both ways of course, since a remixer of your composition is not normally entitled to a share of royalties.

FAQs

Where / how do I enter into an agreement with Truelove Music?

Why is it important to submit set lists?

What is a cover?

What is a sample clearance?

What is considered “a sample”?

How does Truelove Music help with plagiarism / copyright infringements / disputes?

How and when do I get paid?

Where do my royalties come from?

What are Performing Rights Societies / Organisations (PRO’s) ?

How can Truelove Music help in getting my music signed / played / streamed / synced?

What does Truelove Music do?

What is a non featured artist?

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