Some consider cover songs as a cop-out. They see it as stealing another creator’s work. However, this isn’t the case. Some cover songs have proven to be extremely popular, and even boosted the original.
Cover songs have long been a staple of the music industry. From local bands performing classic hits to major artists reinterpreting iconic tracks. In the age of streaming platforms, cover songs have taken on a new significance.
Offering artists a unique opportunity to reach wider audiences, gain exposure, and grow their careers. But can covering a song actually help your career? Let’s explore the role of cover songs in the world of streaming and whether they can be a valuable asset for artists.
1. Wider reach and audience expansion
One of the most immediate benefits of covering a song is the potential to reach a much broader audience. Popular tracks already have an established fanbase, so by releasing a cover, you are essentially tapping into that existing audience.
When listeners search for the original song or artist, your version may pop up as a recommended or related track on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. This helps your music reach new people.
If your cover resonates with listeners. It can help introduce your music to people who might not have discovered your original material otherwise. This exposure can lead to more streams, more followers, and ultimately, more fans.
2. Showcasing your unique style
A cover song allows you to demonstrate your creativity and versatility as an artist. While the original song provides a familiar structure, you have the freedom to reinterpret it in your own style. You can experiment with different genres, tempos, arrangements, and instrumentation. Offering something fresh to listeners.
For example, an artist might take a pop song and turn it into an acoustic ballad or flip a rock anthem into a jazz rendition. This not only showcases your musical skills but also gives listeners a glimpse into your artistic identity and creative approach.
A well-executed, unique cover can help distinguish you from other artists. Making you stand out in a crowded streaming landscape. Where it can be extremely difficult to stand out, you add an extra opportunity.
3. Leveraging trends and virality
Streaming platforms are highly influenced by trends, social media challenges, and viral moments. By covering a popular song, especially one that is trending on platforms like TikTok or Instagram, you can tap into the current cultural moment and ride the wave of popularity.
A well-timed cover of a trending track might catch fire and gain significant traction. In addition, cover songs are often used in viral challenges or memes. Giving artists an opportunity to go viral themselves.
This kind of visibility can be a game-changer for up-and-coming musicians. Providing a massive boost to their career and helping their original music reach a wider audience. All it takes is one release to go viral.
4. Increasing your discoverability through playlists
Getting featured on playlists is one of the most effective ways to gain exposure on streaming platforms. While playlist curators often focus on original tracks, cover songs have the potential to land on genre-specific or mood-based playlists.
For example, a cover of a popular pop song might get added to a “Chill Covers” or “Acoustic Favourites” playlist, putting it in front of a dedicated audience that appreciates the reimagining of familiar songs.
Many users also create their own playlists on platforms like Spotify, and a well-loved cover can quickly be added to these user-generated playlists. Playlist placement can significantly boost the visibility of your track and direct traffic to your other releases. Helping you build momentum.
5. Building relationships with other artists
Covering songs can also be a way to foster relationships with other musicians and their fanbases. If you cover a song by a well-known artist, there’s a chance they may notice your version and even share it with their audience on social media.
This type of recognition can help solidify connections with influential figures in the music industry. Moreover, collaborating with other artists to cover a song can lead to cross-promotion opportunities, expanding both of your fanbases in the process.
6. Monetary potential and licensing
Cover songs can also provide a steady stream of income, though not in the same way as original music. When you release a cover on streaming platforms, you still earn royalties, but these payments are split with the original songwriters and copyright holders.
While the royalties from covers may be lower than from original tracks, they still contribute to your overall income and can be a solid source of revenue when combined with your original music. The more income, the better for smaller artists, of course.
Additionally, cover songs can be licensed for use in movies, TV shows, or commercials, which can be a lucrative opportunity for exposure and revenue. If a popular cover is featured in a widely-distributed media project, it can lead to additional streams and a surge in popularity.
7. The risks of cover songs
While there are many potential benefits, there are some important considerations when it comes to releasing cover songs. One of the primary risks is copyright infringement. To legally release a cover song, you must obtain the proper licensing and permissions.
Services like RouteNote, DistroKid and TuneCore can help you secure the necessary licences for cover songs, but failure to do so can result in your track being taken down or even legal consequences.
Additionally, if you rely too heavily on cover songs, there’s a risk that your career might be pigeonholed into just being a “cover artist” rather than an original musician. It’s important to strike a balance and ensure that your original music is still at the forefront of your career.
8. The appeal of familiarity
Cover songs have an inherent advantage in that they bring familiarity to listeners. Whether it’s a beloved classic or a recent chart-topper, people are drawn to music they already know. This can help bridge the gap for new listeners who may be hesitant to try out unfamiliar material.
By covering a song they already love, you increase the chances of them listening to your other music. Creating an opportunity for a lasting connection. Some might consider it an easier option. Others will consider it a smart one.
The answer is yes—cover songs can definitely help your career, especially in the streaming era. By offering a fresh take on popular tracks, you can gain exposure, build relationships, and increase your visibility on streaming platforms. However, it’s important to balance covers with your original music to maintain your artistic identity and not be seen solely as a cover artist.
Cover songs can be an effective tool for discovery, monetization, and building your fanbase, but they should complement your original work, not overshadow it. With the right approach and strategy, a well-timed and creatively executed cover can open doors and provide a valuable boost to your career in the competitive world of streaming.
