Secondhandsongs -
SecondHandSongs is a collaborative, global database dedicated to tracking the history and evolution of music through cover versions, adaptations, and samples. Launched in April 2003 by Bastien De Zutter, Mathieu De Zutter, and Denis Monsieur, it has grown into one of the most comprehensive resources for music enthusiasts and researchers. Core Purpose & Features
Defining "Original" vs. "Cover": Discuss the site's strict criteria: an "original" is the first recorded or released version, which may differ from the songwriter's own version. secondhandsongs
In the digital age, we are obsessed with the "original." We fetishize authenticity. We want the vinyl pressing, the demo tape, the pure unadulterated vision of the artist. But SecondHandSongs operates on a different philosophy. It suggests that the "original" is just the starting point of a conversation. Example: "My Way" (popularized by Frank Sinatra) is
to filter by release date (e.g., "is after/is before"), artist, medium, or label. SecondHandSongs Key Features for Power Users Songwriter & Sampling Data Beyond casual browsing, SecondHandSongs provides an API that
- Example: "My Way" (popularized by Frank Sinatra) is an adaptation of the French song "Comme d'habitude" (by Claude François). The music is the same, but the lyrics are entirely different.
Beyond casual browsing, SecondHandSongs provides an API that is widely used in the field of Music Information Retrieval (MIR). Tech developers and academic researchers use this data to: Cover versions as an impact indicator in popular music
Community-Driven: Relies on a dedicated team of volunteer curators and editors who verify submissions for accuracy. Historical & Academic Significance
The Unofficial Ultimate Guide to SecondHandSongs
SecondHandSongs (SHS) is the world's largest and most comprehensive database of cover songs, remixes, samples, and adaptations. Unlike general music databases (like MusicBrainz or Discogs) that focus on original releases and artist discographies, SHS focuses specifically on the relationships between songs—tracking how music evolves, crosses genres, and travels through time.