How to Legally Sell Cover Songs on Bandcamp

Selling cover versions on Bandcamp is legal and straightforward if you follow a few essential steps.
This quick guide explains what licenses you need, how Bandcamp handles money, and how to stay compliant.

1. Know What Counts as a Cover

A cover is your own recording of someone else’s composition (their melody and lyrics).
You need a license before selling downloads or physical copies.

2. Get a Mechanical License

Required to distribute someone else’s composition (downloads, CDs, vinyl).
Obtain through Easy Song Licensing or Harry Fox Agency (Songfile).
License covers a set number of units; buy more if you exceed them.

3. Upload Your Cover to Bandcamp

Upload your recording, add credits and metadata, label the track as a cover, and set your pricing.
Bandcamp does not handle licensing for you.

4. How Bandcamp Handles Money

Bandcamp collects payment from fans.
They take a 15% cut on digital sales (drops to 10% after you earn $5,000 in digital sales in a year).
Payment processor fees (PayPal/Stripe) also apply.
You receive the remainder via PayPal or Stripe.
For physical items, Bandcamp may collect and remit required sales taxes.

5. Track Your Downloads and Stay Legal

Use Bandcamp’s Sales Reports and Stats pages to monitor downloads.
Compare downloads to your licensed quantity.
Purchase more mechanical-license units if you exceed your limit.

Key Terms

Composition: The underlying song (melody/lyrics).
Mechanical License: Required to distribute someone else’s composition.
Master Recording: Your specific version/performance.
PRO: Performance Rights Organization that collects public-performance royalties (ASCAP, BMI, etc.).

Bottom Line

You can legally sell cover songs on Bandcamp as long as you obtain a mechanical license and track your download counts.
Bandcamp handles payments to you, but not royalties to songwriters.
Stay organized and you’ll remain fully compliant.