The Master Recording vs. The Composition
The master vs. the composition
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The master vs. the composition -
What is the master recording?
The master is a recorded version of a composition that can include additional production, sound design, vocal layering, and an artist’s influence. To keep it simple, the master is the recording you hear when streaming your favorite artist on Spotify.
what is the composition?
The composition is the underlying melody and lyrics. To keep it simple, the composition would be the sheet music equivalent of the master recording.
why does this matter?
For many independent artists, they are the sole creator of both the master recording and composition. For many record label artists, the label owns the master while the artist and their songwriting teams own the composition. This is the reason why Taylor Swift was able to rerecord the majority of her old catalog.
