The Value of Remixes, Arrangements, and Covers: Insights from Andrew Aversa
Andrew Aversa, designer and co-founder of Impact Soundworks, has shared invaluable insights into the importance of remixes, arrangements, and covers. In a helpful episode on YouTube, Aversa explains why working with music others have written can be a powerful strategy for musicians. He also covers the legal aspects of releasing such music and provides an action plan for how to release covers yourself.
Here’s what Andrew Aversa has to say.
Building Your Name Through Remixes, Arrangements, and Covers
Aversa starts by emphasizing that one of the best ways to build a name and following is to reinterpret music others have written. Far from being inauthentic, this practice has been part of the music industry for over a century. Reinterpreting well-known songs through covers, remixes, and arrangements helps artists connect with audiences by tapping into nostalgia and familiarity.
History: Famous Examples of Covers
Aversa points out that many legendary artists gained fame by covering songs from others:
- Elvis Presley: His hit “Hound Dog” wasn’t originally his song. It was written and recorded earlier, but Elvis’s version is the one that became famous.
- Jimi Hendrix: His rendition of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” helped elevate Hendrix to stardom.
- Cyndi Lauper: Her song “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” was a cover that became a defining hit of the 1980s.
- Lenny Kravitz: His cover of “American Woman” brought the track into a new era.
- Mad World (from the movie Donnie Darko): This version wasn’t the original, but it became iconic.
These examples show that covering well-known songs can lead to massive success. Aversa also highlights how platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube have sparked an explosion of remixes and covers, particularly from movies, anime, and video game soundtracks. Many artists have parlayed the success of their remixes into massive careers, gaining millions of subscribers and even securing record deals.
Why Covers and Arrangements Work
Aversa explains why this approach works so well. When you record a cover or arrange an existing piece, you're connecting with something that people already love. Music fans are predisposed to listen to covers of songs they’re familiar with because those songs hold sentimental value. By tapping into these emotions, you create a bridge that can turn listeners into fans of your unique style.
Understanding the Terms: Remixes, Covers, and Arrangements
Before diving deeper into the process, Aversa clarifies the distinctions between remixes, covers, and arrangements:
Covers: These involve a straightforward interpretation where melodies, lyrics, and song structures remain mostly unchanged. A cover generally stays true to the original song but is performed with different instruments or vocal styles.
Arrangements: Arrangements go further, often modifying the structure, harmony, or even lyrics of a song. Musicians might add new material or original elements to make the song their own. A great example is Jacob Collier, whose intricate arrangements of classic songs have brought him widespread acclaim.
Remixes: A remix uses the original audio track but manipulates it by adding new layers, such as vocals or beats. Unlike covers and arrangements, remixes require permission from the original copyright holder since they involve working directly with the original recording.
The Legal Ramifications of Covers, Arrangements, and Remixes
Aversa delves into the legal aspects of creating and releasing remixes, covers, and arrangements. He explains that while remixes require permission from the copyright holder, covers are much easier to create legally. In the United States, copyright law allows for covers to be made without permission from the original artist, provided you obtain a mechanical license and pay royalties.
Arrangements may require additional permissions if you significantly alter the song or plan to sell sheet music, but they still follow a similar legal framework to covers. Remixes, however, must always be cleared with the original artist or label.
Music Clearing Services for Legal Covers
To release covers legally, Aversa recommends using music clearing services that handle the licensing process for you. Some of these services include:
- Soundrop
- Easy Song Licensing
- HFA Songfile
These platforms allow you to distribute your covers legally on streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, while ensuring that the original songwriter is paid the required royalties.
Action Plan for Releasing Covers and Arrangements
Aversa provides a straightforward action plan for artists looking to create and release covers or arrangements:
Decide on Your Approach: Will you make a straightforward cover or go further with an arrangement by adding new harmonies or parts?
Choose Your Music Wisely: Cover songs that resonate with you personally, but also consider what’s popular and trending. For instance, covering popular video game soundtracks, movie scores, or anime music can connect you with passionate fanbases. Aversa gives the example of the game Undertale, whose music became hugely popular and was remixed and covered countless times.
Obtain a License: If you plan to release your cover commercially, secure the appropriate mechanical licenses through a music clearing service.
Start on YouTube: If you’re new to covering music, YouTube is a great platform to begin building your audience. Focus on putting out high-quality covers and engaging with listeners before you jump into monetization.
Mix Original Work with Covers: As you grow your audience through covers, incorporate your original songs into your release schedule. This helps diversify your portfolio and keeps your audience engaged with your evolving sound.
The Balance Between Trends and Authenticity
While it’s tempting to chase trends for quick success, Aversa advises musicians to maintain a balance. It’s important to cover songs that are relevant and have large fanbases, but it’s equally important to choose songs that inspire you. Doing both will help you avoid burnout and keep your work feeling authentic.
Conclusion
Covers, arrangements, and remixes offer musicians a unique opportunity to build a fanbase while showcasing their own talents. By understanding the legal landscape and following a clear action plan, you can create and release music that connects with audiences while respecting the original creators. Whether you’re covering a blockbuster movie soundtrack or remixing an iconic video game theme, this approach can serve as a powerful tool in your musical journey.
So, when planning your next project, consider the impact a cover or an arrangement could have on your career. Start creating, and who knows—you might just find yourself on the road to musical success.
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