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What are Sound Recordings / Master Rights?

Written by Press Officer on .

Sound recordings (also called master recordings) are the actual recorded performances of a song, as opposed to the underlying composition. Master rights are the rights to control and be paid for the use of these recordings.

Key points:

  • The recording owner (often the record label or the performer) holds the master rights.
  • Anyone who wants to use the recording—for example in films, TV, advertisements, or streaming—needs a licence from the rights holder.

Master rights are separate from composition rights, which belong to the songwriter or composer.

👉 In short: master rights let the owner of a specific recording control and earn from its use.