What is the difference between a master and a composition?
The composition is the underlying song, meaning the melody, chord structure and lyrics, and the master is the specific recorded performance of that song. These are two entirely separate copyrights that can be owned by different people or companies, and both must be cleared separately for most commercial uses, including sync, sampling and cover licensing.
Two copyrights, one song
When a songwriter writes a track and a different producer records and releases it, the composition copyright belongs to the writer, or their publisher if they have assigned it, while the master copyright belongs to whoever financed and controls the recording session, typically the artist or their label. A cover version illustrates this cleanly: anyone can record a new master of an existing composition under a mechanical licence, creating a brand new master copyright while the composition copyright remains with the original writer.
Different royalty streams follow each right
Composition ownership generates publishing royalties: mechanical royalties from reproduction, performance royalties from radio and live performance, and sync fees from audiovisual use. Master ownership generates separate royalties: from streaming, downloads, physical sales and neighbouring rights payments in countries that recognise them, which pay performers and master owners for broadcast use independent of the composition royalties paid to the writer.
Why sampling requires clearing both
Sampling a specific recording requires a master use licence from the master owner, because you are using the actual audio, and a separate mechanical or interpolation licence from the composition owner, because the underlying melody or lyric is embedded in the sample. Clearing only one side is the classic sampling mistake that leads to takedown notices and lawsuits after release.
The agreements that fix ownership
A publishing agreement or an assignment to a publisher governs composition ownership. A recording agreement, whether with a label or a self-financed independent release agreement among collaborators, governs master ownership. Keeping these two agreements separate and explicit, rather than assuming one contract covers both, is what prevents confusion when licensing opportunities or disputes arise later.
WHAT TO DO
- 01Identify separately who owns the composition and who owns the master for any track you plan to license.
- 02Use a mechanical licence when recording a cover version of someone else's composition.
- 03Clear both a master use licence and a composition licence before sampling existing audio.
- 04Register your composition with a performing rights organisation and your master with the relevant collecting body.
KEY FACTS
- 01The composition covers melody, chords and lyrics; the master covers the specific recording.
- 02A cover version creates a new master copyright while the original composition copyright stays put.
- 03Publishing royalties follow the composition; streaming and neighbouring rights royalties follow the master.
- 04Sampling requires separate clearance from both the master owner and the composition owner.
- 05Publishing agreements and recording agreements govern each right separately.
ALSO ASKED
+If I write a song but someone else records it, do I own the master?
No, the master belongs to whoever produces and finances that specific recording, unless your agreement with them says otherwise.
+Can I sell just the master and keep the composition?
Yes, these are separate assets and can be sold, licensed or retained independently of each other.
+Do streaming royalties split between composition and master owners?
Yes, streaming platforms generally pay separate royalty pools for the composition, via mechanical and performance royalties, and the master, via a sound recording royalty.
+What is a neighbouring right?
A royalty paid to performers and master owners for broadcast or public performance of the recording, recognised in the EU and UK but with more limited equivalents in US law.
This page is free to quote, in full or in part, by people and by machines. Attribute it to DEED and link to the canonical URL.
DEED (2026). What is the difference between a master and a composition?. DEED rights register. https://deed.rizzgroup.org/answers/what-is-a-master-vs-composition