Albums do not get almost as much mileage as they used to.
They are still essential, however, artists are having to make more music than ever before to keep up and connect with their listeners in a meaningful method.
Writing songs takes time—particularly if you want to make something really great. Strong songwriting cannot be rushed.
Unfortunately, you probably do not have the time to write and launch a constant stream of great original songs.
So what’s an ambitious songwriter to do?
The easy answer is Cover Songs. A thoughtfully recorded cover can enhance your craft in so many ways. Here are just a few of the reasons cover songs make sense for every songwriter.
1. Cover songs help your songwriting and music theory
Whether you are a seasoned songwriter or just beginning to find your voice, covering songs is a stellar method to learn the art of songwriting via someone else’s pen.
Taking the time to learn and record another artist’s track could teach you a ton about track structure, melody, phrasing, arrangement and other helpful parts of music theory.
Covering music requires you to break down songs into their most basic elements.
Mastering those elements and putting them together will walk you through an effective workflow for writing.
And when you are a musician attempting to tackle music theory, recording covers is an effective way to put what you are learning into practice and sharpen skills like identifying a track’s key, chord progressions, or time signature.
2. Cover songs licensing is simpler than you think
So why are covers roaring back into the limelight?
Digital distribution companies are now capable of getting you the right licenses and handle the paperwork to make cover track licensing a breeze. It is an enormous reason why covers are enjoying a new moment in music.
Covers should be fun, however securing licenses and getting all that paperwork in order yourself is… un-fun.
Paperwork? Nahhhh. Recording and releasing your version of “Cover Me” by Bruce Springsteen? Absolutely.
3. Covers have become a big part of modern music
A few decades ago, covering another artist’s songs was something most artists did not consider doing, particularly if they made alternative music.
However, cover songs are enjoying a new moment of relevance.
All because of the rising need for interesting approaches to creating and streaming opening up an easy method for artists to license and distribute covers.
Just take a look at Weezer, they’re back on the charts with an inspired cover of “Africa” by the band Toto—all because a dedicated fan petitioned the band endlessly to cover the infectious 1982 hit.
Covers are not just helpful for bands which are already famous either…
Outlets like Soundcloud, Apple Music, and Spotify have helped launch the careers of tons of previously unknown artists on the success of covers alone.
All while celebrating the incredible music that got us all right here in the first place.
4. Covers take less time
It takes method less time to cover music than it does to write your own. While we’d all love a few months to hide away and write 100 songs, however, it is a luxury most of us do not have.
With audiences transitioning from albums to playlists more and more, releasing music usually is more and more essential in today’s fast-paced music industry.
Putting your own spin on another artist’s music will help you maintain your skills sharp and the inspiration flowing between releases of your own compositions.
Plus, a great cover could tell your listeners the story of your inspirations, influences, and aspirations.
5. Covers are a new first impression for fans
Covers are also an excellent chance to add to your catalog and connect with new listeners via familiar tunes (with your own twist of course).
While covers are not a guarantee to develop your streaming numbers, giving potential fans a familiar first impression could help develop your fan base in the long run and help to bridge the gap to your original compositions.
When you have not launched music in a while or want to add some context to your catalog, use covers to promote your upcoming releases or to fill out an album, EP or mixtape.
Run for covers
Making music is difficult enough today. Fortunately, covers a rare win-win for everybody involved.
Covers keep old songs fresh and you get the opportunity to find new listeners for your own music while paying homage to those who inspired you in the first place.
Stepping outside your creative bubble and strumming a mile in someone else’s shoes is a useful exercise for any musician.
So put down that pencil, grab a tab and attempt a cover on for size… You could learn a thing or two in the most fun method possible.