Lizzy McAlpine Confesses Unintentional Nick Drake Cover on New Album

How does the music industry handle accidental

The 26‑year‑old singer‑songwriter Lizzy McAlpine admitted that a track on her latest release, Angel, unintentionally mirrors a song by Nick Drake. The revelation came after fans noticed similarities between McAlpine’s composition and Drake’s classic folk style. She spoke about the issue on the Switched On Pop podcast, explaining how the melody emerged during a late‑night writing session.

The controversy began when listeners compared McAlpine’s new song, „A Car Wash And A New Pair Of P,” to Drake’s 1970s work. Critics pointed out that the chord progression and vocal phrasing were almost identical. McAlpine said she had never heard Drake’s track before the release. She explained that the similarity stemmed from a common musical structure she had been exploring. The artist also mentioned that the track was recorded in a single take, adding authenticity to her claim.

How does the music industry handle accidental similarities? The debate has long focused on whether the law protects only exact copies or whether „substantial similarity” can lead to legal action. McAlpine said she intends to keep the song on Angel but will credit Drake in the liner notes. She also plans to work with a legal team to ensure compliance with copyright rules. Some argue that artists should disclose influences early, while others believe that accidental overlap is inevitable in a crowded musical landscape.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about originality in songwriting. McAlpine’s openness may ease tensions among fans, but the situation underscores the need for artists to document their creative process. The outcome could influence how record labels screen new material and how artists acknowledge influences in future releases.

What was the exact nature of the alleged plagiarism? McAlpine’s track shares a chord progression and vocal phrasing with a Nick Drake song, but she claims the similarity arose accidentally during a late‑night writing session.

Will the song be removed from the album? No. McAlpine plans to keep the track on Angel and will add a credit to Drake in the liner notes.

How is the situation being resolved? She is collaborating with a legal team to ensure the song complies with copyright law and to address any potential claims.