Why this confusion exists: roles and ownership explained
Joe Jonas is the lead vocalist of the pop group DNCE, not the band Cake. "Cake by the Ocean" was written and recorded by DNCE, with Joe Jonas as frontman. Cake is a separate alternative rock band formed in 1991, known for "The Distance," "Never There," and "Simon Meyer." Understanding these distinct artists and catalogs helps clarify credits, ownership, and performance rights.
Song credits and publishing: who actually wrote and owns "Cake by the Ocean"
"Cake by the Ocean" credits include songwriters Joe Jonas, Stefan Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Marcus Lomax, and others, published through Sony/ATV and Kobalt Music Group on behalf of DNCE. Mechanical and performing rights for the recording are held by Republic Records under license from Joe Jonas and DNCE. No compositional or master ownership exists for Cake the band. This table summarizes the key rights and ownership facts.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Recording Artist | DNCE | Label release credit |
| Songwriters | Joe Jonas, Stefan Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Marcus Lomax, others | ASCAP/BMI publishing splits |
| Publisher(s) | Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Group | Credit listings |
| Record Label | Republic Records | Label catalog |
| Original Release | 2015 (DNCE debut single) | Official release date |
| Key Composer(s) | Joe Jonas, Stefan Johnson, Jordan Johnson | ISWC registrations |
How the confusion arises: common mix-ups and mistaken beliefs
Listeners sometimes conflate Joe Jonas of DNCE with the members of Cake because both bands play guitar-driven, guitar-heavy pop or alternative rock. Cake formed in Sacramento and has a long independent catalog, while DNCE is a pop project built around Joe Jonas. The title "Cake by the Ocean" includes the word "Cake," which can loosely suggest an affiliation that does not exist in rights or artist identity. These overlaps are surface-level and do not extend to authorship or ownership.
Band Cake: origins, lineup, and key songs that define them
Cake formed in Sacramento, California, and consists of John McCrea (vocals, guitar), Greg Brown (guitar, keyboards), Victor Damiani (bass), and Daniel McCallum (drums). Their sound blends rock, funk, and country influences with dry, narrative-driven lyrics. Beyond "Cake by the Ocean," Cake has notable hits such as "The Distance" and "Never There," and albums like "Motorcade of Generosity" and "Prolonging the Magic." They remain active as an independent touring and recording act.
Cake notable milestones at a glance
- 1991: Band formed in Sacramento, California.
- 1995: Debut album "Motorcade of Generosity" released.
- 1996: Breakout single "Distance" gains college and alternative radio traction. "2004: "Pressure Shift" and wider digital catalog distribution.
- 2018: Continued touring and independent releases maintain a devoted fanbase.
DNCE and Joe Jonas: the actual context of "Cake by the Ocean"
DNCE is a pop band fronted by Joe Jonas, who serves as lead vocalist and a key songwriter. The group released their debut single "Cake by the Ocean" in 2015, which achieved multi-platinum certification and global chart success. Joe Jonas performs vocals and contributes to songwriting, but this project is separate from the band Cake. DNCE toured internationally and released the studio album "DNCE" in 2016, expanding Joe Jonas's catalog beyond his earlier work with the Jonas Brothers.
Legal and performance rights: what songwriters and users need to know
Using "Cake by the Ocean" in commercial contexts requires a license from the proper rights holders. For composition, you must contact or pay the songwriters and their publishers (Sony/ATV and Kobalt). For the sound recording, you need a license from Republic Records or the distributor handling the master. Because Joe Jonas is the artist and co-writer, his publishing and label clear the use, not Cake the band. The table below outlines the steps and parties for common use cases.
| Use Case | Required License | Rights Holder |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial advertisement | Mechanical + synchronization license for composition; master use license for recording | Songwriters/publishers + record label |
| Live performance in a venue | Public Performance License (PRO) for composition | PRO (ASCAP/BMI/SESAC) |
| Streaming or download | Mechanical license for composition; label master license | Publishers and record label |
Context and common questions about taste, influence, and similarity
Because Joe Jonas fronts DNCE and "Cake by the Ocean" is a pop-rock song, some assume it relates to the band Cake. Musically, DNCE leans pop and dance, while Cake favors rock and funk, so the sonic overlap is minimal. The connection is only in the title and the presence of Joe Jonas as a performer, not in songwriting, publishing, or band affiliation. No verified lineage, collaborations, or shared members exist between DNCE and Cake.
Practical guidance for creators and content makers
- Do not credit Cake for "Cake by the Ocean"; credit DNCE and the listed songwriters.
- Always clear both composition and master rights before using the track commercially.
- When writing about Joe Jonas, specify DNCE to avoid confusion with the band Cake.
- Check publishing splits via ASCAP/BMI/SESAC to ensure correct attribution.
Frequently asked questions (verified answers)
- Does the band Cake have any involvement with "Cake by the Ocean"? No. The band Cake did not write, perform, or release "Cake by the Ocean." The song is by DNCE, fronted by Joe Jonas.
- Who actually wrote "Cake by the Ocean"? Joe Jonas, Stefan Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Marcus Lomax, and other credited writers.
- Is Joe Jonas a member of Cake? No. Joe Jonas is the lead singer of DNCE and has no membership or ownership in the band Cake.
- Which label released "Cake by the Ocean"? Republic Records released the DNCE single.
- Can I use "Cake by the Ocean" in my video? You need a synchronization license for the composition and a master license from the label; contact the rights holders before use.