Cover Song on EP?

[agreatheight]

I have been working on an EP for a couple of months now, and have 4 songs that are more or less good to go. I was hoping to have 5 songs, but the final song is just not really coming together the way I want. It needs more work, and I am going to shelve it - I am not one to rush songwriting. So I am left wondering what to do. I could release with 4, add a different original song I have already written, or add a cover. I am strongly considering the latter, as it may increase visibility of my release. But I also feel weird about a cover song on a 5 song EP, like I should be able to provide enough original material for the whole thing. I should note that while I have no allusions of grandeur (I am 40 with a family, lol), I do plan to shop this for distribution, mostly for kicks - it's coming out quite well so far.

What say you?

[MonetBass]

As long as it's your take on the cover song, and not just a note-for-note reproduction, then I say put it on there. The album I'm currently working on has two covers currently, but they're my own arrangements of the songs.

[TL5]

If you're take on the cover tune is unique, and you have the rights to record it, then I'd take that route.
If it's a straight up cover and/or you haven't secured the mechanical license for it - skip it.



[aside] Getting a mechanical license for a limited number release is not too difficult in most cases:HFA Songfile Home Page

[TheVoiceless]

Originally Posted by MonetBass

As long as it's your take on the cover song, and not just a note-for-note reproduction, then I say put it on there. The album I'm currently working on has two covers currently, but they're my own arrangements of the songs.

This^^^

I think two other possible choices could be.

A) release it as a Demo with only 3 tracks, use the fourth as a free download or another online promotion.

B) Record a cover. But it has to be your " Hard to Handle " to the Black Crows or what " smooth criminal " was to Alien Ant Farm. It should be a staple of your live set or have some significance, like anti war song, IMO.

I assume bands create EPs so that they can be purchased for profit, other wise they would record a Demo. But I also see a change in which you can release music one song at a time. Put it on Itunes for download. So you may want to consider less then traditional ways of releasing music.

Good Luck!