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# Copyright vs. Master Rights
- URL: https://blog.nexatunes.com/copyright-vs-master-rights/
- Published: 2025-06-05T13:52:52.000Z
- Updated: 2025-06-05T13:52:52.000Z
- Description: Every song has two rights: one for the composition, one for the recording. Here’s how to know what you actually own – and what you don’t.
- Author: NexaTunes Distribution
- Tags: Rights & Publishing

**What You Actually Own When You Release a Song**

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## **Two Layers, Two Owners (Usually)**

Every piece of music has **two rights layers**:

1. **Copyright** – this refers to the *composition* (melody, lyrics, structure).→ Typically owned by the songwriter or publisher.
2. **Master Rights** – this refers to the *recording* (the actual audio file).→ Typically owned by the label or whoever paid for the recording.

If you write and record your own music independently, you own both.

But the moment you work with others – or sign a deal – these rights may be **split between different parties**.

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## **Copyright (Composition Rights)**

This is about the song as a concept – even if no recording exists yet.

Covers:

- Melody
- Lyrics
- Song structure
- Chord progressions (in context)

Governs:

- Sheet music rights
- Live performance income
- Royalties from publishing (via GEMA, PRS, ASCAP, etc.)

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## **Master Rights (Recording Rights)**

This is the sound recording itself – the finished audio file you release.

Covers:

- The vocal/instrumental recording
- Mixing, production, arrangement
- Alternate versions, remixes, stems

Governs:

- Streaming income
- Sync licensing of the recording
- Use in videos, films, ads

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## **Why the Difference Matters**

- If someone covers your song:→ You earn from **copyright**, not from the new recording.
- If someone streams your original track:→ You earn from the **master**, and possibly also from **publishing**, if you’re the songwriter.
- If you sign a label deal and give them the master rights:→ They control the recording, even if you still own the song underneath.

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## **Summary**

**Master = sound. Copyright = song.**

If you don’t know who owns what, you risk losing both.

Before releasing or licensing anything, get clear:

- Who owns the recording?
- Who wrote the song?
- Who collects royalties from each side?

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> *For a deeper dive into publishing structures and rights management, see our* [*publishing insights here*](https://blog.nexatunes.com/tag/rights-publishing/)*.*

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