Remixing 101: How to Secure Permission to Remix Your Favorite Song

Max Pote


Picture this: you’ve just finished making your dream remix—your drums hit hard, the bassline sits right in the mix, and the vocal you flipped is sounding perfect. But then, you're hit with an scary thought:

"Am I about to get into legal trouble if I release this?"

Copyright laws can feel like a confusing maze, and one wrong turn could lead to serious consequences. I’ve seen it happen firsthand MULTIPLE TIMES—friends of mine have been hit with lawsuits from artists or labels because they didn’t properly clear a sample. It’s a nightmare that no creative wants to face. But don’t worry—I've got good news.

Understanding copyright laws doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this post, I’ll break down the essential rules you need to know so you can confidently share your remix with the world without fear.

Understanding copyright laws

When it comes to remixing songs, understanding copyright laws is crucial. Here's what you need to know:


Music copyright is a form of intellectual property protection that grants exclusive rights to the creators of original musical works. There are two distinct types of copyrights in music:

  1. Composition Copyright: This covers the underlying musical composition, including the arrangement of notes, melodies, chords, and lyrics. It's typically owned by songwriters and composers, often managed by music publishers.
  2. Master Recording Copyright: This protects the specific sound recording or "master recording" of a musical composition. It's usually held by the performing artists and their record label.

Why permission is necessary for remixes:

  1. Derivative work: a remix is considered a new arrangement of the original work, falling under the copyright owner's right to autorize or prepare derivative works.
  2. Multiple rights involved: when you remix a song, you're potentially using both the composition and the sound recording, each of which may have different copyright owners.
  3. Legal protection: obtaining proper permissions protects you from potential copyright infringement claims, which can lead to legal troubles and financial penalties.
  4. Respect for creators: getting permission shows respect for the original artists' work and ensures they're compensated for the use of their intellectual property.

steps to obtain remix permission

To legally remix a song, you need to follow a structured process to obtain the necessary permissions. Here's a step by step guide:

1. Identify the copyright holders

Determine who owns the rights to both the composition and the master recording; this is the foundational step, as you need to know who to ask for permission in the first place.

Use platforms like Spotify to find initial information about the song's copyright owner; look for copyright notices in the track description or album details, as these often provide clues.

Consult databases such as BMI, ASCAP, or the US Copyright Office for comprehensive ownership details; these databases allow you to search by song title or artist to find the publishers and songwriters associated with the composition.

2. Prepare your pitch

Draft a professional email with "Copyright Permission Request" as the subject line; this immediately signals the purpose of your email and helps ensure it reaches the right person.

Clearly state your intention to remix the song and your plans for its use; be specific about how you intend to use the remix, whether it's for non-profit promotional use, commercial release, or something else.

Include your identity, contact information, and details about your remix project; provide links to your online profiles, samples of your previous work, and a brief description of your remix vision to showcase your skills and seriousness.

3. Contact the right people

Find contact information for the artist, A&R manager, or publishing company; check the artist's official website, social media profiles, or the record label's website for contact details.

If it's a well-known artist, consider contacting their music publisher or collection society; these organizations often handle licensing requests on behalf of their artists.

Use official websites or SoundCloud descriptions to find contact details; sometimes artists or labels will list contact information directly in the track's description for licensing inquiries.

4. Negotiate Terms

Be prepared for negotiations regarding royalties, crediting, and usage rights; understand that the copyright holders may have specific requirements or limitations on how your remix can be used or distributed.

Understand that royalties are often split 50/50 between the original artist and the remixer, but this can be negotiated; be open to discussing different royalty splits or upfront fees depending on the circumstances and your budget.

Discuss any specific conditions or restrictions on the use of your remix; this could include territories where the remix can be distributed, the duration of the license, or restrictions on altering certain elements of the original song.

5. Secure a licensing agreement

Once terms are agreed upon, formalize the agreement in writing; a written agreement protects both parties and ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding the terms of the remix license.

Ensure the agreement outlines specifics of your permission, royalties, and the duration of the license; this includes the exact song being remixed, the specific rights granted, the royalty rates, payment terms, and the length of time you're allowed to use the remix.

6. Obtain necessary licenses

You'll likely need two types of licenses: one for the musical composition and another for the sound recording; these licenses cover the use of both the underlying song and the specific recording you're remixing.

For remixes, you typically need a synchronization (sync) license from both the original record label and the label releasing the remix; a sync license allows you to combine the original music with your new visual or audio content, in this case, your remix.

alternative routes

While obtaining direct permission is the most straightforward approach, there are other legitimate ways to create and release remixes. These alternatives can be especially useful for up-and-coming producers looking to build their portfolio and gain recognition.

1. Remix competitions

Many artists and labels host official remix contests, providing stems and explicit permission to remix their tracks. These competitions often offer prizes, including official releases and potential career opportunities. Platforms like Beatport, Splice, and SKIO Music regularly feature remix contests from various artists and genres. Even if you don't win, you can usually share your entry on platforms like SoundCloud, giving you a chance to showcase your skills.

2. Official remix calls

Participating in official remix contests is a great way to gain experience and exposure. Many artists and labels host these competitions, providing stems and explicit permission to remix their tracks, and often offering prizes such as official releases. Platforms like Beatport, Splice, and SKIO Music are great resources for finding these opportunities across various genres. Plus, even if you don't win, you can still share your remix on platforms like Soundcloud to showcase your skills.

3. Working with royalty-free music

If the complexities of traditional licensing seem daunting, explore the world of royalty-free music available on various platforms. Services like Artlist, Epidemic Sound, and Soundstripe offer tracks with straightforward licensing agreements, allowing you to hone your remixing skills without extensive copyright negotiations. While some platforms like Jamendo offer both free and paid options, ensure you always credit the original artist and comply with the specific terms outlined in the royalty-free license.

4. Creative Commons licensed music

Creative Commons (CC) licenses offer a flexible approach for artists to share their work while maintaining certain rights. When seeking music for remixing, focus on CC licenses that explicitly allow adaptations and commercial use if you intend to monetize your work. Platforms like ccMixter and Free Music Archive provide a wealth of CC-licensed tracks ideal for remixing. Be sure to carefully review the specific license terms, as some CC licenses, such as CC BY-SA, may require you to share your remix under the same license. Always attribute the original work as specified in the CC license, typically by crediting the creator and stating the license type.

5. Collaborating with emerging artists

Networking with emerging artists can unlock unique remix opportunities. These artists may be more open to collaboration and remixes, leading to a win-win situation that boosts exposure for both of you. Utilize platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp, or delve into your local music community to discover potential partners. Be sure to establish a clear, written agreement, even with collaborations that seem casual, to protect both your interests and ensure a smooth, transparent process.

conclusion

Navigating the world of remixing can seem daunting, but understanding and respecting copyright laws is essential for building a sustainable and ethical career as a producer. By taking the time to identify copyright holders, prepare a professional pitch, and secure the necessary permissions, you not only protect yourself from legal repercussions but also demonstrate respect for the original artists whose work inspires you.

Remember, there are also alternative routes to explore, such as remix competitions, official remix calls, and working with royalty-free or Creative Commons licensed music. These options can provide valuable opportunities to hone your skills, gain exposure, and release remixes legally and ethically.

Ultimately, the most successful remixes are those that not only showcase your unique talents but also respect the rights and contributions of the original artists. So, go forth, create responsibly, and let your remixing journey be one of innovation, collaboration, and mutual respect!

Max Pote (Protohype)
Co-Founder
Futureproof Music School