Master rights vs. publishing rights: What's the difference?

There are several key categories of music rights, including master rights and publishing rights. They relate to different aspects of a musical work - the recording on the one hand and the composition on the other.

Master rights - rights to the recording

Master rights relate to the actual recording of a song (the "master recording"), i.e. what was recorded in the studio - not the work itself (lyrics or melody). The term is actually derived from the word "master tape". On the master tape is the original tape recording that comes from the recording studio and is finally forwarded to a pressing plant for reproduction, for example.

• The master rights usually belong to the person who financed the recording - usually the label or the producer
• They include the right to reproduce, distribute and license the recording
• Income is generated through streaming, downloads, physical sales (e.g. CDs, vinyl) and licensing (e.g. to film, advertising)

Publishing rights - rights to the composition

Publishing rights relate to the musical and lyrical composition of a song - i.e. melody, harmonies and lyrics.

• They are initially held by the songwriters or composers
• They often transfer their rights (in whole or in part) to a music publisher who takes care of the administration, marketing and exploitation of the rights
• Income is generated, for example, through performance rights (radio, live concerts), mechanical licenses (e.g. CD pressing, downloads) or synchronization rights (use in films, advertising, games)

In classic label contracts, the master rights often go to the label, while the publishing rights remain with the composer or are regulated by a publishing contract.

Why are master rights in music so valuable for artists?

Control over your master rights offers you as a musician decisive advantages:
 

Higher income

With traditional label contracts, artists typically only receive around 15 to 20% of the streaming income. If you own your own master rights, on the other hand, you can earn up to 100% of the master income.

Creative control

If you hold the master rights yourself, you have complete freedom of choice over releases, reissues or remixes of your music. You no longer need permission from third parties to release your songs for new uses. You also have the option of licensing your tracks for advertising, film or TV - just as you wish.

Long-term assets

Master recordings usually retain their value or can even increase in value over time. This gives you the opportunity to sell your catalog at attractive conditions. What's more, these assets are inheritable, so they also represent value for future generations.

License rights & music: Sources of income through your master rights

Owning your master rights opens up various sources of income:
 

Direct income:

• Streaming royalties (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)
• Download sales (iTunes, Amazon, etc.)
• Physical sales (CD, vinyl)

Licensing for:

• Advertising and brand collaborations
• Film and TV productions
• Video games and apps
• Remixes and samples by other artists

Further exploitation options:

• Synchronization licenses
• Public reproduction
• Use in social media and content creator platforms

Music rights: Avoiding the most common pitfalls

To benefit from your master rights in the long term, you should avoid these mistakes:
 

Long-term exclusive contracts:

• Beware of "lifetime" contracts or very long commitment periods
• Pay attention to rights reversion clauses (when do rights revert to you?)

Unclear agreements for collaborations:

• Make written agreements with session musicians
• Establish a clear division of rights for joint productions

Premature transfer of master rights:

• Consider the long-term consequences even with attractive advance payments
• Check alternative financing options such as distribution deals or artist loans

Lack of documentation:

• Document all parties involved in recordings
• Store contracts and licenses carefully
• Don't forget to register with collecting societies

How do I retain my rights with FEIYR?

With FEIYR, you can retain your master rights as an independent artist and benefit from professional distribution at the same time. You retain full control over your master rights and avoid the typical pitfalls of the music industry. As a distribution partner for independent artists, we offer you an artist-friendly model:
 

Full rights control:

• You retain 100% of your master rights
• No long-term contracts or transfer of rights
• Flexibility to withdraw your music at any time

Transparent billing:

• 80% of the revenue goes directly to you
• Only 20% service fee for distribution and marketing
• No hidden costs or deductions

Professional distribution:

• Worldwide release on over 300 platforms
• Access to all relevant streaming services and download stores
• Promotion opportunities without assignment of rights