The creation of a The term "song" does not have a legal definition. It is frequently used to mean "musical work” – the composition and lyrics (if any) created by songwriters and composers. However, it could also refer to a “sound recording” (a specific recording of a musical work), or a “performance” (a live performance of a musical work). takes two paths: that of the An original musical composition with or without lyrics. and that of the Typically, the recorded performance of a musical work protected as a phonogram under copyright law.. Often, these can be very different, happening at different times with different Anyone who contributes to creating or performing a musical work, a live performance, or a sound recording., companies, and organizations involved, such as:
A person who makes an original contribution to the creation of a musical composition or lyrics.
In the context of music, a creator playing a musical work live or on a sound recording.
A company that represents songwriters, supporting their career development, monetizing musical works, and protecting copyrights.
A company that invests in, manufactures, distributes, promotes, and monetizes sound recordings on behalf of the artist.
Collective Management Organization: An organization that acts collectively on behalf of the rights holders it represents and collects and pays remuneration to rights holders.
A type of distributor that only distributes sound recordings to online stores and streaming platforms.
A company or service that delivers music to digital streaming platforms and physical retail stores.
Digital Service Provider: an online platform that provides streaming or download services to consumers.
To track plays and identify who is entitled to be paid for the use of the musical work, the appropriate Data that describes other data, for example, information that describes creators, other rights holders, musical works, and sound recordings. and Unique alphanumeric codes used to identify creators, rights holders, musical works, and sound recordings. must be generated and entered into the The interconnected network of creators, organizations, and companies with different roles who work to create, produce, perform, distribute, promote, manage, and monetize musical works and sound recordings.. Typically, this happens by Submitting information relating to musical works and sound recordings to an appropriate registration body, for example, copyright ownership information submitted to a Collective Management Organization or copyright office. the musical work with the appropriate Collective Management Organization: An organization that acts collectively on behalf of the rights holders it represents and collects and pays remuneration to rights holders. and providing additional metadata to A company or service that delivers music to digital streaming platforms and physical retail stores.. For example:
Title
Songwriter and music publisher names
Interested Party Information; a unique international identifier for songwriters and music publishers. numbers
Also sometimes referred to as shares, the portion of ownership a rights holder has or the portion of income they are entitled to.
International Standard Musical Work Code: a unique identifier for musical works.
Other data requested by CMOs and distributors
To track plays of a sound recording and identify who is entitled to be paid, the appropriate metadata and identifiers must be generated and entered into the music industry ecosystem, typically by registering the sound recording with the appropriate CMO and providing additional metadata to distributors. For example:
Title
Performer and record label names
International Performer Number: a unique international identifier for performers.
Splits
International Standard Recording code: a unique identifier for sound recordings.
Other data requested by CMOs and distributors
Explore our pages on Metadata and Identifiers to learn more.
Who is responsible for getting this into the music ecosystem will depend on your situation, whether you have a record label or music publisher involved or work independently and directly with a distributor. Explore our our pages on Responsibilities to learn more.
Whatever your situation is, you should always ensure the job gets done. After all, it’s your work, credits, and money at stake. Keep reading to learn more.
Video credit: Tiffany Orvet, Dilun Riad Edmon, Daniel Hjellum, Tim Ljungstedt, David Lebna, Artu Kontkanen, Tobias Leo Nordquist, Ponny Höijer, William Engström, Parapix