There are licensing different types of recordings, not so much as a creative option, but as a practical/logistical consideration for your campaign. The producer will have four choices. These are Original master recording(s), a pre-released cover, a bespoke re-record, and a sound-a-like. American Federation Musicians New-Use Re-Use Original master recording will normally be the first recording made of a particular song, many times partly or fully written by the performer, singer, or band members; though there are plenty exceptions. By definition, any recording made by a known artist that gets enough air play (or sales, downloads, etc.) would be considered an original master, even if there are multiple well-known renditions. Bespoke Re-Records This is when the brand wants to make a new, custom recording with the original artist or another celebrity not associated with the original recording - in most cases because the artist is actually appearing in the spot, though not always. Covers The best way to define a “cover” is when an artist records a song, but adds her/his own interpretation to a new recording. Many times, a new cover can be an homage to some other known recording. With any new recording of a known master, the central question is: Why? Why make a new recording? The answer to that question is a matter of intention. Does the artist intend to bring a new interpretation to the song? If the answer is yes, then this is miles away from re-recording a song to sound “like” some previously known recording. Sound-a-Likes A sound-a-like is an “exact” copy of an original/known recording, and that is its intention. It’s all about intention, and that is a copyright holder’s main argument in an infringement case: What was the intention behind making and using such a recording? The category of “sound-a-like” includes both instrumentals and tracks with a featured vocal. Even the recordings sound alone can be considered a sound-a-like and be the subject of a copyright infringement. Contact Michael Welsh Productions, who can help you with the right thing to select. Obviously, it’s best to look for an experienced company to work with, and to feel a degree of trust that all the deliverables will be completed without any issues. Company information 626 796 0961 Michael Welsh Productions, Inc. 2215 Lambert Drive Pasadena, CA 91107 info@michaelwelshprods.com