About Cover Songs (The Honest Version)
A lot of bands want to play the same set they play in a real venue — originals mixed with a few covers people actually know.
We get it. We’ve been in those rooms.
Somebody wrote those songs. They want to get paid for their work the same way you want to get paid for yours.
Bands2Fans is a new platform. We’re building this thing in public, and we’re being straight with you from day one.
If the platform grows the way we believe it can, obtaining proper blanket licenses so bands can play covers more freely is something we will seriously look at. Until then, here’s the clear reality of how it works right now.
The Short Version
Most big platforms (YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) pay for expensive blanket licenses from ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and others.
We are not one of those platforms.
That means if a band streams or archives cover songs here, the legal responsibility currently sits with the band.
What That Actually Means
If you only play original songs You’re fine. No extra licenses needed.
If you play covers live and do not save the stream You still need public performance licenses from the major Performing Rights Organizations. Most small bands never buy these because the annual cost is usually $1,500–$2,500+. Risk exists, but it is lower than archiving the performance.
If you play covers and the stream gets saved as video-on-demand You now also need mechanical and synchronization licenses for each song. This is the highest-risk option and the fastest way to receive a takedown notice.
There is no “we play mostly originals so it’s okay” exception. One unlicensed cover is enough to create a problem.
Our Position
We will not pretend this issue doesn’t exist. We will not claim we have blanket licenses we don’t have. We will not hide the risk so a band signs up and gets surprised later.
We built this platform for working musicians who want a direct connection with their audience. Part of respecting that audience (and the bands) is being straight about the rules.
Practical Options for Bands
- Safest path Play only original material (or public-domain songs). Zero licensing headaches.
- Lower-risk cover path Play covers live only and make sure the stream is not archived. Still not risk-free, but better than leaving the video up.
- Highest-risk path Archive cover performances as VOD. Only do this if you have (or are willing to get) the proper licenses.
Bottom Line
We’re building this for bands that want a real connection with the people who actually show up — not for the algorithm, not for the middlemen.
Right now the cover-song rules are what they are. We’re being upfront about them so everyone knows the score.
As the platform grows, locking in proper blanket coverage is one of the first serious upgrades we’ll look at. Until then, the cleaner the setlist, the simpler life stays for everybody.
No lectures. Just clarity.
Questions? Ask. We’ll answer straight. <- Link to contact page