Many AWAL artists produce cover versions of existing works. If you’re uploading a cover track, it isn’t necessary to get explicit permission from the rights holder. It’s understandable that in most cases this wouldn’t be possible. In the US, you’ll need to pay mechanicals to the songwriter/s. You can use the Company Harry Fox for that process. In other territories, the stores pay the mechanicals for you directly.
Please check out our article on Mechanicals for more information about how these work.
It is, however, very important to ensure you don’t change the composition of the track, as you’ll then require permission from the original copyright owners for the track.
This is also true with ‘mashup’ covers where two or more tracks are being mixed together, you’ll require permission from the original copyright owners for all tracks.
Sampling
In order to sample a track, you need a license from the original copyright holders.