The Bedrock of Your Career: Demystifying Music Copyright

You automatically own it the moment you press 'record' or scribble a lyric. But in the music business, ownership isn't just a feeling it's a legal right called copyright and understanding it is the single most important step to protecting your work and getting paid.

This Week's Focus: What copyright actually means for you as a musician.

The Two Halves of Your Song

Think of every recording as having two separate copyrights. This is the crucial first concept:

1. The Composition (The Song Itself)
• This is the melody, lyrics, and chords – the blueprint of the song.
• It's created by the songwriters and composers.
• Often called the "Publishing" side of rights.
2. The Sound Recording (The Master)
• This is the specific recorded performance of that composition.
• It's created by the recording artists, producers, and engineers.
• Often called the "Master" side of rights.

Why It Matters: You might own one, both, or neither! For example, if you write and record your own song alone, you own both copyrights. If you cover a Micheal Jackson song, you own the new master recording, but Micheal Jackson (and his publishers) still own the composition.

The Superpowers Copyright Gives You

Copyright isn't just about ownership; it's about control. It grants you, the creator, six exclusive rights. Essentially, you have the sole authority to:

1. Reproduce the work (make copies, CDs, digital files).
2. Distribute it (sell it, stream it).
3. Publicly Perform it (play it at gigs, have it played on radio or in a shop).
4. Create Derivative Works (make a remix, translate the lyrics).
5. Publicly Display the work (relevant for sheet music, album art).
6. In the case of sound recordings, control Digital Audio Transmissions (the right that powers streaming royalties).

In simple terms: Whenever anyone else wants to do any of these things with your music, they need your permission. That permission is usually a license, and that license usually involves you getting paid.

The "How-To": Making it Official

• Copyright is automatic the moment your work is "fixed in a tangible medium" (written down, recorded).
• BUT, to sue for infringement in the US, you need to register it with the U.S. Copyright Office. It's a straightforward process and one of the best investments you can make in your career.

Key Takeaway: Copyright is the foundation of the entire music business. It transforms your creative work into a piece of property that can be managed, licensed, and monetized. Knowing the difference between the Song and the Master, and the rights you hold, is the first step to navigating the industry with confidence.