2 MONTHS AGO • 1 MIN READ

Cover songs have one rule you can’t ignore

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FYR360°

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Your Weekly Guide to Artist and Business Development

One Business Tip...

Thinking about recording and releasing a cover song for the holidays? Make sure you get a license from the song's copyright owners (even if you're giving it away for free). This can sound confusing, but services like the one we’ve linked below make it easy and affordable.

Pro tip: Any song published before 1930 is in the public domain, meaning you can record and release it without needing a mechanical license!

One Marketing Idea...

Every song release is an opportunity to take your audience on a journey. Instead of treating your music as isolated posts, approach each release like a three-phase campaign: build curiosity with behind-the-scenes clips and teasers, launch with a performance video or fan challenge, and sustain momentum with acoustic versions, live performances or remixes. Musicians who treat their releases like product launches create lasting engagement and turn casual listeners into dedicated supporters.

Try it out: Pick your next release and map out all three phases before you post anything. Plan 3-4 pieces of content for each phase, scheduling them in advance. Start with Phase 1 content a week before your release date, then let each phase naturally flow into the next. If something isn't resonating with your audience during one phase, don't be afraid to adjust your approach for the next. The campaign structure gives you flexibility to respond and adapt while maintaining momentum.

One Music Production Tip...

Ad libs can create some of the most memorable moments in a track. Small vocal elements like runs, breaths, laughs, or simple words like "yeah" or "no" add texture and emotion to your songs. Listen to how artists like Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and Tate McRae layer these details throughout their music for inspiration on placement and style.

Try it out: On your next recording session, dedicate a full pass to adding ad libs. Then pick a section that feels like it needs something extra and let yourself experiment freely. Try cutting up the vocals and moving them to different sections until they land in the right spot. If something doesn't serve the song, don't be afraid to cut it.

See you next week!

Future Youth Records is a non-profit record label that helps youth create and distribute music promoting social justice.

Future Youth Records Inc.
P.O. Box 1866
Morgan Hill, CA 95038

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FYR360°

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