What Are Master Rights and Who Owns Them?

When you release music, it’s easy to think about ownership in simple terms: “I made it, so it’s mine.” But in reality, the rights behind a piece of music are split into two main parts: publishing rights (the song itself) and master rights (the actual recording). Understanding who owns the master rights (and how to protect them) is vital for every artist, especially in today’s streaming-driven music industry.

What Are Master Rights?

Master rights refer to the ownership of a specific sound recording. If publishing covers the melody, lyrics, and composition, then the master is the physical or digital recording of that song, the version people actually hear on Spotify, YouTube or the radio.

Whoever owns the master rights controls how the recording is used, licensed, and monetised. That includes decisions about streaming, sync placements (for TV, film, and adverts), and re-releases.

In short, the owner of the master recording gets paid whenever that specific version of the song is used.

Who Typically Owns the Master Rights?

The answer to this question depends on your deal or lack thereof.

Independent artists who self-fund and release their own recordings usually own 100% of their masters. This is one of the biggest advantages of staying independent.

Signed artists often give up ownership of their master rights to the record label in exchange for financial backing, studio time, marketing, and distribution. In traditional deals, the label owns the master, and the artist earns a royalty percentage from the income it generates.

For example, if a major label spends £100,000 to produce and market your album, they’ll typically recoup that cost from your royalties. Only after those costs are recouped do you start seeing real income from the recording… and even then, the label still owns the master.

Why Master Ownership Matters

Owning your masters gives you creative and financial control. It means you decide how your recordings are used, and you receive a greater share of the revenue they generate. If a brand wants to use your track in an advert, you’re the one who grants the licence and you keep the payment.

Many artists who lost control of their masters have fought hard to get them back. Perhaps the most famous example is Taylor Swift, who re-recorded her first six albums after her original masters were sold to Scooter Braun’s company without her consent. By releasing new “Taylor’s Version” recordings, she regained control and ownership of her most iconic songs.

Similarly, Prince was a fierce advocate for artists’ rights, famously writing “slave” on his face in protest against his label’s ownership of his masters. He later struck a deal that allowed him to regain full control of his catalogue.

How to Protect Your Masters as an Independent Artist

If you’re an independent artist, the simplest way to retain your master rights is to self-fund your recording sessions and release music under your own name or label. However, it’s still important to put agreements in writing if you’re collaborating with others.

If you hire a producer or session musician, make sure contracts clearly state that you, the artist, own the master recording. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a legal grey area later.

If you work with a small indie label or distributor, always check their terms. Some companies only take a share of the income, while others may claim ownership of your masters. A distribution deal typically lets you retain ownership, whereas a record deal may not.

The Long-Term Value of Master Rights

Master rights are one of the most valuable assets in the music industry. They can generate income for decades through streaming, sync deals, and reissues. That’s why so many legacy artists, from Bruce Springsteen to Bob Dylan, have been able to sell their catalogues for hundreds of millions of pounds. Those deals are largely built on the long-term earning potential of master recordings.

Owning your masters also makes your music catalogue more appealing if you ever decide to sell it. Investors love catalogues that are fully owned and clearly documented.

Control Today, Power Tomorrow

Understanding master rights isn’t just a legal technicality; it’s a matter of long-term security and creative freedom. Whether you’re self-releasing or working with a label, always know who owns what. If you can keep your masters, do it; if you can’t, negotiate better terms. Your recordings are more than just audio files; they’re assets that could sustain your career for years to come.