Copyright basics are an essential topic for anyone who’s interested in music production and, thus, its promotion. Here’s the thing: there’s no easy way to comprehend everything that this theme entails in one sitting. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to understand; it just means that we have to break it down. For this reason, we’re here to share the most fundamental elements of this concept so you can ease down your journey.
Copyright Basics: Composition and Master
Whatever song you produce and license (that is, you register as yours, legally) has these two copyrights: composition and master rights. The first of these include both music and its lyrics. The second, the reproduction and distribution of the master recording. Another form of explaining the master license is the following: it offers any person (or company) the permission to use your intellectual property (your song), which will generate royalties.
If a Label is Involved
If you want to work with a record label, you, as an artist, can assign the master sound recording copyright. When you do so, the label can reproduce, distribute, and license as stated in your contract. In return, this usage produces royalties. Consider, too, that each party involved received a percentage of them.
Copyright Basics: Musical Work and Sound Recording
Before moving forward producing the copyright of your creations, you should learn the difference between a musical work and a sound recording because these are two separate copyright materials. A musical work is your song’s composition, including lyrics. In contrast, a sound recording is a series of spoken, musical, or other sounds fixed in a recording medium. Examples of these mediums are CDs or digital files which experts call a “phonorecord.” And these emerge from the collaborative work of both the performer and the producer.
Conclusion
Copyrights are a way of keeping your creations safe. When you begin this process, you not only explicitly state that the work is yours, but you also obtain legal benefits. The most obvious one is you’ll have access to federal courts in case of infringement; that is, in case anyone attempts to illegally use your songs.
