Masters
The original, definitive recordings of songs from which all copies and distributions are made.
Definition
Masters — or master recordings — are the original, authoritative recordings of songs from which all copies, streams, and distributions are derived. Ownership of masters determines who controls how recordings are used, distributed, licensed, and monetized. The masters are distinct from the underlying musical composition (the song itself), which is governed by publishing rights.
Historically, record labels have owned masters as a condition of signing artists. However, the industry has shifted toward artists retaining or eventually reclaiming master ownership, particularly among independent artists and those with significant negotiating power.
Why It Matters
Master ownership is one of the most important and contentious issues in the music business. Whoever owns the masters controls the revenue generated by those recordings — streaming royalties, sync licensing for film and TV, sample clearances, and physical sales.
The stakes are enormous. Master recordings can generate income for decades, and the difference between owning and not owning your masters can mean millions of dollars over a career. Understanding masters is essential for anyone involved in music business negotiations.
Examples in Practice
An artist who signed away their masters in their first deal earns $0.003 per stream, while their label keeps the rest. After renegotiating, they retain 50% of master royalties on new recordings, tripling their streaming income.
A legendary artist publicly campaigns to regain their masters after their former label is sold, raising industry-wide awareness about artist ownership rights and influencing contract standards.
An independent artist retains full master ownership by self-releasing through a distributor, earning $0.004 per stream versus $0.001 had they signed with a label — a 4x income difference that compounds over millions of plays.