Q: What is SecondHandSongs?
A: SecondHandSongs is the largest and most accurate database of cover songs. Find out who performed the original version of a particular song, or who else around the world covered that song. We try to be as complete and accurate as possible by also indexing the songwriters of the songs and the releases that feature these originals and covers. We order the data in a reusable and maintainable way and we're highly cross-referenced with other databases, among which Discogs, RateYourMusic, Echonest, Spotify, iTunes, ...
Q: How do you define originals and covers?
A: We identify 4 different types of originals:
- the first performed version (for example in stage performance)
- the first recorded version
- the first broadcasted version (for example in a movie)
- the first released version
By consequence, a musical work can have multiple "originals".
Any song that is not one of the 4 "firsts" described as above, is considered a cover song.
Example : The musical work Make You Feel My Love written by Bob Dylan
- the first recorded version was by Bob Dylan in January 1997
- the first released version was by Billy Joel on August 19th, 1997
Bóth versions are considered "originals" of Make You Feel My Love.
Q: Do you accept original songs?
A: Only if cover versions of this original have been commercially released.
Q: Do you accept covers in other languages than English?
A: Of course. We add covers in any language. Check out our statistics page to get an idea.
Q: Do you accept unreleased covers?
A: If they are available on Youtube, yes. We list those unreleased Youtube covers under WEB COVERS:
Can I submit multiple cover versions of the same work by the same artist?
No, only 1 cover song per work per artist is allowed, even if they are distinct recordings.
This doesn't apply to collaborations (the artists are considered different), covers in different languages (the works are considered different), or vocal vs instrumental versions (an exception to the rule).