Music Rights
Music Rights 101: The Two Copyrights in Every Song
Every recording carries two separate rights — the composition and the master. Knowing who owns each is where your career money starts.
Composition vs. master
The composition is the song itself — melody and lyrics — owned by the songwriters and their publishers. The master (sound recording) is the specific recorded version, usually owned by whoever paid for it: you as an independent artist, or a label if you signed one.
Why it matters
Each right earns different income. Streams, radio, sync placements and covers pay the composition and master owners through different channels. If you don't know which you own, you can't collect.
Protect yourself early
Put ownership and splits in writing for every collaboration, before the song is released. A simple split sheet signed by everyone in the room prevents most future disputes.
Key Takeaways
- Every song has two copyrights
- Masters usually belong to whoever funded the recording
- Sign split sheets at the session
For More Insight
Go deeper with CHI books
40 Crucial Things Every New Music Artist Should Know
The essentials every new artist needs before they start — rights, teams, deals and mindset.
Sources
- U.S. Copyright Office — Musical Works & Sound Recordings (Circular 56A)
- Berklee Online — Understanding Music Rights
CHI Entertainment Network provides general educational information and does not provide legal, tax, financial or professional advice.