What is what does it mean to own your masters?

Owning your masters, in the context of music and recorded audio, refers to possessing the complete ownership and control of the original recording of your music. This encompasses several crucial aspects:

  • Copyright Ownership: You own the copyright to the sound recording (the master), separate from the copyright to the underlying composition (the song itself). This means you control how the specific recorded version of your song is used.

  • Licensing Rights: As the master owner, you have the exclusive right to license the recording for various uses, such as:

    • <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Film%20and%20TV%20Sync">Film and TV Sync</a>: Placing the recording in movies, television shows, or commercials.
    • Advertising: Using the recording in advertisements.
    • Sampling: Allowing other artists to use portions of the recording in their own works.
    • Streaming: Distributing the recording on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
  • Financial Control: You receive all royalties and income generated from the use of your masters. This can include:

    • Sales (physical and digital)
    • Streaming royalties
    • Sync licensing fees
  • Artistic Control: You have the final say on how the masters are used, ensuring that your artistic vision is maintained. You don't need permission from a record label or other entity to use your own recordings.

  • Negotiating Power: Owning your masters provides significant leverage when negotiating deals with record labels, distributors, or other partners.

In contrast, artists who sign traditional record deals often give up ownership of their masters to the label. While the label might invest in recording, promotion, and distribution, the artist typically receives a percentage of the revenue, and the label controls the master recordings in perpetuity or for a defined period. Regaining the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Ownership%20of%20Masters">Ownership of Masters</a> can be a long and expensive battle, as seen in high-profile cases. Therefore, understanding the implications of master ownership is critical for musicians when negotiating contracts.