Can I cover a song and use audio from the original track?

Don’t commit the crime if you want to pass moderation in time 👮🏼

Sorry, it’s a no from us at RouteNote. You can’t use any audio from the original track in your cover, unless you have the rights or permission from the original artist or copyright holder.

If we do ask you to prove that you’re allowed to use the original samples, the best way to do it is always to have creator of the original track you’ve sampled email us directly at moderation@routenote.com, including:

  • the UPC of your release
  • your username in the email

If you want to sample any part of a popular track published by a major label, they are very unlikely to give you permission to use them in a commercial release. We’d have to reject any release using high profile samples without rights or permission.

Have a watch of our video below for more info on cover songs!

Check out the full RouteNote Style Guide here!

More on cover releases:
Can I upload cover songs with RouteNote?
What should I put in the P line if my release is a cover?
Can I choose ‘soundtrack’ as my genre if the release is a cover?
What is a cover song? 
How do I license a cover?
How do I credit the original artist if my release is a cover?
Which stores and territories can I send a cover track to?
What should I put in the C line if my release is a cover?
How do I format stores and territories for a cover release without a mechanical license?

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