Meaning: This quote by Peter Hammill, a musician known for his work in the progressive rock genre, addresses the issue of cover songs and the ownership of their publishing rights. The quote suggests that Marc Almond and other artists in Europe have covered Hammill's songs, and he claims to own all the publishing rights to these covers. Additionally, Hammill mentions that he has not had the time to promote or publicize these cover versions of his songs.

The concept of cover songs and publishing rights is a significant aspect of the music industry. When an artist covers someone else's song, they are required to obtain a mechanical license from the original copyright holder in order to legally release and distribute the cover version. This license grants the artist the right to reproduce and distribute the copyrighted song in exchange for a royalty payment to the original copyright owner.

In this context, Peter Hammill's statement about owning all the publishing rights to the covers of his songs indicates that he has retained control over the use and distribution of these cover versions. This ownership gives him the authority to grant or deny permission for others to cover and release his songs, as well as to collect royalties from these cover versions.

The mention of Marc Almond, a British singer-songwriter known for his solo career as well as his work with the synth-pop duo Soft Cell, highlights the influence and reach of Hammill's music. Almond's decision to cover Hammill's songs reflects the impact of Hammill's work on other artists and the enduring appeal of his compositions.

Hammill's comment that he has not had the time to promote the cover versions of his songs suggests that while he may own the publishing rights, he has not actively pursued opportunities to showcase or capitalize on these covers. This may be due to his focus on other aspects of his music career or a deliberate choice to prioritize his original compositions over cover versions.

The quote also raises questions about the role of publishing rights in the music industry and the potential financial implications for artists. By asserting his ownership of the publishing rights to the cover versions of his songs, Hammill positions himself as a key figure in controlling the usage and distribution of his music. This control allows him to benefit financially from the cover versions through royalty payments and potentially opens up opportunities for collaborations and creative partnerships with other artists.

Overall, Peter Hammill's statement regarding the covers of his songs and the ownership of publishing rights sheds light on the complexities of the music industry and the importance of understanding and managing copyright and licensing in the context of cover songs. It also underscores the impact of his music on other artists and the ongoing relevance of his compositions within the contemporary music landscape.

In conclusion, Peter Hammill's assertion of owning all the publishing rights to the covers of his songs reflects his control over the usage and distribution of these cover versions. This control has implications for his financial interests and artistic collaborations, while also highlighting the enduring influence of his music on other artists.