What is a master recording?
The "master" is the final, mastered audio file of a specific recording. the version that gets uploaded to Spotify, pressed to vinyl, or licensed for a film. It's a separate legal thing from the underlying song (which is covered by publishing rights).
Owning vs. licensing
Ownership means you hold the copyright to the recording forever. Licensing means you keep ownership but give someone permission to use the recording for specific purposes (like digital distribution) for a specific time. Traditional major-label deals often transfer ownership. Modern independent deals. the Rizzivr model included. only license.
Why it matters
- You control future re-releases, sync placements, and licensing deals.
- You keep the long-tail streaming income after any distribution deal ends.
- You can pull the recording from a distributor and take it elsewhere.
- You can sell or assign the master later if you choose.
What to look for in a contract
- Explicit statement that the artist retains ownership of the masters.
- Scope of the license (digital distribution only vs. all formats).
- Territory (worldwide is standard for digital) and rights period.
- Clean termination terms. a defined notice window with rights reverting to the artist.
Our own agreement matches all of the above. see the plain-English breakdown on the license page.