You can distribute your own recording of a public domain composition through Soundrop without obtaining a cover song license.
However, a composition and a particular arrangement, translation, set of lyrics, or recording can have different copyright statuses. Before identifying a song as public domain, make sure the specific material you're using is also in the public domain.
What is public domain music?
A composition is in the public domain when it is no longer protected by copyright, or wasn't eligible for copyright protection.
Public domain status can depend on factors including when and where a work was first published. A newer arrangement, translation, or set of lyrics based on an older public domain composition may still be protected by copyright.
For example, an old traditional melody may be in the public domain while a newer arrangement or translation of that melody is still copyrighted.
Soundrop can't determine the copyright status of a composition for you, so you should research the specific work you're recording before submitting your release.
How do I submit a public domain song?
When creating your release in Soundrop, identify the composition as Public Domain or Original, as appropriate. You'll still need to provide songwriter or composer information for a public domain composition. If the songwriter or composer is unknown, enter: Traditional Song
Do I need a cover song license for public domain music?
You don't need a cover song license to record a composition that is in the public domain. However, make sure you're using the underlying public domain composition rather than a newer copyrighted arrangement, translation, or version. If the version you're recording is still protected by copyright, you may need a cover song license or other permission.
See What songs can Soundrop license? for more information about cover song licensing.
Can I distribute a public domain recording?
Soundrop doesn't accept an unaltered public domain sound recording for distribution.
A public domain composition and a public domain recording aren't the same thing. You can create and distribute your own recording of a public domain composition.
You may also use public domain recordings as part of a substantially new work you've created. If you're using a public domain recording in a new work, identify the track as a public domain work when submitting it to Soundrop.
What if I'm not sure whether a song is public domain?
Research the copyright status of the specific composition, including any lyrics, arrangement, or translation you're using.