Hi everyone. I've just finished editing my releases for Xmas this year. I have 2 traditional carols reworked and a xmas song. I expected that I would have to pay a cover fee for my version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Xmas" so I'm not surprised there, however, I've also recorded God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and The First Noel.
I thought that as these were traditional carols from way back that they would be ok to cover but when I put down that it is a cover song on distrokid they want to charge $12 to release them.
Is this correct? Has anyone had any experience with releasing xmas covers at all. I fully get that I would have to pay that for "Have Yourself....." but I wasn't sure on the others. I thought I would check with you guys first.
Any info is really appreciated
Have a great day all
Ok, so after a little research, the two tracks are in the public domain. Apparently, you can put it down as your own track in distrokid but under songwriter you put "Traditional Music".
Just in case anyone had any similar questions. On that note, is anyone else releasing any other xmas covers?
Here is a list of popular xmas pieces that you can check the current copyright status of
https://support.easysong.com/hc/en-us/articles/360047491414-Christmas-Songs-in-the-Public-Domain