Master recording ownership determines who controls your music, who earns from it, and who has the right to license it. This guide explains what masters are, when you own them and when you do not, and how to structure your releases to retain ownership.
How to clear samples. Avoid legal strikes and royalty loss by mastering the step-by-step process of securing sample permissions.
What do record labels actually do? Explore how they fund production, manage master rights, and drive global promotion in today's digital era.
Record label distribution deals explained for independent artists: ownership, revenue splits, contract terms, advances, and how to negotiate better terms in 2026.
Work for hire agreements transfer copyright ownership before you even finish the music. This guide explains what work for hire means, when it applies, what you give up, and how to protect yourself before signing.
A music advance is not a loan, but it is not free money either. This guide explains how advances work, what recoupment means, the difference between label and publishing advances, and how to think about whether an advance makes sense for your career.
A good manager can transform your career. A bad one can derail it. This guide explains when you actually need a manager, what they do, how to find one, and what to look for in a management contract.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are prestigious integrated international study programs delivered by a consortium of higher education institutions in at least three European countries. The EU-funded scholarship covers full tuition, travel costs, installation costs, and a monthly subsistence allowance of 1,400 EUR for the entire duration of the program, which lasts 1 to 2 years.
UnitedMasters is a US-based digital music distributor founded in 2018 by Steve Stoute. Offers a free tier (10% commission), a $19.99/year Debut+ plan (100% royalties), and a $59.99/year Select plan with exclusive brand and sync deal access. Differentiates through brand partnership pipeline connecting artists to the NBA, NFL, and consumer brands. Artists keep ownership of masters on every tier.
Downtown Artist & Label Services is a US-based full-service music distribution and marketing company, part of Downtown Music Holdings. Now part of Virgin Music Group alongside FUGA, CD Baby, Ingrooves, and Songtrust after Universal Music Group acquired Downtown Music Holdings for $775M in February 2026. Offers distribution, bespoke marketing solutions, project management, and funding for entrepreneurial artists, labels, and their partners. Artists retain ownership of masters and full creative control. Provides white-glove distribution, DSP promotion, account management, hands-on A&R support, enhanced analytics, split pay, and complete audio and video asset management. Preferred partner status at all key DSPs. Not open-signup. Curated roster with application required. No public pricing. Downtown Music Holdings serves 1.7 million clients in 145+ countries with 23 million music assets in catalog. Best for established artists and labels seeking white-glove service with global reach.
