To remix a song legally, you’ll have to get permission to use the song from the original songwriter(s), publisher(s) and owner(s) of the song recording. This is the best route to avoid any legal trouble. 

How do I get copyright permission for a remix?

To remix a song legally, you’d need to contact and get permission from the song’s writer(s), publisher(s) and the owner(s) of the sound recording. Then, if they choose to make it an official remix, you’d need to sign a license agreement that details how you’ll split the royalties.
 

What license do you need for a remix?

Master License

If you’re remixing someone else’s track, the necessary Master License will cover you for all music platforms and countries worldwide. Master licenses are different to mechanical licenses as they cover the actual sound recording of a song, rather than the composition, lyrics and melody.

Who owns the rights to remixes?

Who Owns the Rights to a Song? There are two types of copyrights that any song you want to remix has: 1) The master recording rights, usually held by the original artist. 2) The song copyright, usually held by the publisher.
 

Can a remix be copyrighted?

Each piece of recorded music has at least two copyrights: one for the song and one for the master recording. You need permission from both copyright holders in order to legally remix a copyrighted song. Make a record of permission.
 

Do I need permission to make a remix?

Technically, the practice of remixing a song without permission is a copyright violation. However, artists can choose to cite fair use. This means that the remix is not derivative of the original work, but instead builds on it to create something new and original, Spin Academy explained.
 

Do you need permission for remixes?

How to Legally Release a Cover Song, Remix, or use Samples

How do I ask permission to use copyrighted music?

In general, the permissions process involves a simple five-step procedure:

1. Determine if permission is needed.
2. Identify the owner.
3. Identify the rights needed.
4. Contact the owner and negotiate whether payment is required.
5. Get your permission agreement in writing.

How much does it cost to license a song for remix?

How much do people usually charge for their tracks? Many artists have seen success by charging between the $2 to $6 range, but how you decide to price your track is completely up to you. That said, some artists allow their track to be licensed for free, in order to increase their number of remix submissions.

Can remix be copyrighted on YouTube?

You cannot use copyrighted music on YouTube, even if it’s for creating remixes. However, uploading a cover of a track is allowed. The income generated from the video would be shared between you and the copyright owner. If you need to remix copyrighted content directly, legal consent is required by the author/producer.