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Can I record / release someone else’s song?

Written by Press Officer on .

Yes, but only with the proper licences. Recording or releasing another artist’s song involves both the composition rights (songwriter/composer) and, if using an existing recording, the master rights (performer/record label).

Key points:

  • To record your own version of a song, you need a mechanical licence for the composition.
  • If you want to use an existing recording, you must also obtain a master rights licence from the owner.
  • Organisations like MCPSI can help secure licences for reproducing songs legally.

👉 In short: you cannot legally release someone else’s song without permission, but licences make it possible to do so correctly.