Diving into Christmas Music: Licensing Your Christmas Song Covers

Public domain Christmas songs are those festive tunes that have lost their copyright protection, allowing anyone to use the lyrics and melodies to create their versions and distribute them without infringing copyright. To determine if a Christmas song is in the public domain, the key is to find its original publishing date. Here's a general rule of thumb:

In the United States, as of 2021, any work created before 1926 is most likely in the public domain.

So, classic Christmas songs like "O Christmas Tree," "Silent Night," and "Jingle Bells," which were written before 1925, fall into the public domain category. To ascertain a song's status, you can quickly check its publishing date by conducting a Google search or consulting a public domain songs database.

However, for more recent holiday hits like "White Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy," or "Jingle Bell Rock," you'll need to secure the appropriate licenses or clearance if you plan to use them in your music, whether for sampling or covering. The good news is that distributing cover songs has become more accessible, thanks to digital music distribution services like iMusician:

To make your Christmas music journey smoother, here's a list of popular Christmas songs that are currently in the public domain. You can use the melodies and lyrics of these songs freely without fear of violating any copyright laws:

• "Jingle Bells"

• "Silent Night"

• "O Christmas Tree"

• "Joy to the World"

• "Handel's Messiah"

• "We Three Kings"

• "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

• "The Nutcracker Theme"

• "Deck the Halls"

• "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"

• "Good King Wenceslas"

• "Angels We Have Heard on High"

• "Twelve Days of Christmas"

• "The First Noel"

• "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

• "Come All Ye Faithful"

These classic Christmas songs have stood the test of time and remain a cherished part of the holiday season. You are free to reinterpret and cover these songs without any legal constraints, opening up a world of creative possibilities for your holiday music projects.

Now, what if you're itching to cover a beloved holiday classic that's not in the public domain? Fear not, for there's a solution. To create your rendition of such songs, you'll need to purchase a cover song license. These licenses are generally straightforward to obtain, and platforms like LANDR Distribution offer cover song licensing for a one-time fee. Once you have the necessary cover song license, you can freely release your cover under your name or your project's name. However, keep in mind that you'll still be responsible for paying songwriting royalties to the original song's owner, but you get to keep the mechanical royalty.

For example, if you want to cover Mariah Carey's iconic "All I Want for Christmas is You," Mel Tormé's "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire)," or Bobby Helms' "Jingle Bell Rock," you can obtain the required cover song license and bring your unique twist to these holiday favorites.

Remember, for modern Christmas songs that feature electric guitar or a contemporary sound, you'll most likely need cover song licenses.

So, if you're considering creating your own Christmas cover album, you have the green light. Just ensure you acquire the appropriate cover song licenses for any tracks that aren't in the public domain. With the right licenses in hand, you're on your way to spreading holiday cheer through your music.

In the next section, we'll explore the significance of licensing and royalties in the world of Christmas music covers, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of this musical landscape. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the process that makes your favorite holiday tunes a reality.

When you embark on your Christmas music journey, you'll inevitably encounter the intricate world of music licensing and royalties. While many artists are well aware of the creative aspects of music production, the financial and legal side of things often remains in the background. Let's peel back the curtain and explore this less-discussed but crucial aspect of producing Christmas cover songs.

When you cover a Christmas song, two types of royalties come into play:

• Songwriting Royalties: These royalties go to the original songwriter or their publisher. They are typically a percentage of the revenue generated by your cover song. The exact percentage may vary, but it is an essential part of ensuring that the original creator is fairly compensated for their work.

• Mechanical Royalties: These royalties are related to the reproduction and distribution of the song. They are typically owed to the song's copyright holder, often a record label. When you obtain a cover song license, you agree to pay mechanical royalties for the rights to reproduce and distribute your cover.

It's essential to understand that even if a song is in the public domain, you may still need to pay mechanical royalties if you are sampling a recording that includes copyrighted elements. This often happens when you sample a specific recording or performance of a public-domain song. So, even if you're feeling inspired by Boney M's rendition of "Angels We Have Heard on High," remember that their version may still entail mechanical royalty payments.

While royalties and licensing may seem like daunting tasks, they are an essential part of ensuring fair compensation for artists and creators. Furthermore, these processes can open the door to exciting creative possibilities. Consider these aspects:

• Reinterpretation: Covering a non-public domain Christmas song allows you to put your unique twist on a beloved classic. You have the creative freedom to experiment with different genres, styles, and arrangements, making the song your own while paying homage to the original.

• Collaboration: Licensing a song can lead to exciting collaborations with other musicians, producers, and vocalists. These partnerships can bring fresh perspectives and artistic synergy to your holiday covers, enriching the music.

• Artistic Growth: Dealing with royalties and licensing can be a valuable learning experience for musicians. It introduces you to the business side of music, helping you navigate contracts and understand the financial aspects of your artistic endeavors.

As the holiday season approaches, the world anticipates the arrival of new Christmas songs and covers. The allure of timeless classics and the excitement of fresh interpretations come together to form a magical musical landscape. With the knowledge of how to license Christmas cover songs and navigate royalties, you're equipped to join this musical celebration.

So, whether you're an independent artist looking to release your first Christmas cover or an established musician with a growing fan base, the holiday season presents an opportunity to connect with your audience through the universal language of music. Your Christmas cover may just become a treasured part of someone's holiday playlist, creating lasting memories for years to come.

In conclusion, the world of Christmas music is rich and diverse, offering endless opportunities for musicians and artists to express themselves during this festive season. As you embark on your Christmas music journey, remember that the world of music licensing and royalties, though often overlooked, is an essential part of the process. By obtaining the right licenses and understanding the royalty structure, you can bring your creative vision to life and share the joy of Christmas music with the world.

"Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas." - Dale Evans

As we wrap up this exploration of Christmas music covers and the intricacies of licensing and royalties, it's essential to reflect on the true essence of the holiday season. Beyond the legalities and creative processes, Christmas is a time of giving, sharing, and spreading joy. Music, with its universal language, has a unique power to touch hearts and bring people together during this special time of year.

In the spirit of Christmas, consider the following:

• Sharing Your Music: Your Christmas cover songs are not just creative endeavors; they are gifts to the world. They have the potential to brighten someone's day, evoke cherished memories, and create a sense of togetherness. So, don't hesitate to share your music with your audience, whether it's through streaming platforms, social media, or live performances.

• Connecting with Your Audience: Music has the remarkable ability to forge connections. Use your music as a means to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Share the stories and emotions behind your covers, and invite your listeners to be a part of your musical journey.

• Spreading Love and Positivity: Christmas is a time when the world craves positivity and love. Your music can be a beacon of hope and happiness in the lives of those who hear it. Whether your covers are cheerful, reflective, or heartfelt, they contribute to the collective holiday spirit.