Who owns the rights to a song?

The rights to a song are owned by the person or people who create the original composition or make the recording. If a single producer, songwriter, or artist writes and records a track, that individual holds the copyright. When multiple people collaborate, such as in a band or co-writing session, copyright is typically shared among all contributors, unless a specific agreement states otherwise.

How song rights are determined

Music rights are split into two main categories: the musical work (melody, lyrics, arrangement) and the sound recording (the actual recorded performance). Each can have different owners. For example, a producer might own the recording, while songwriters share the composition rights. In ghost production, the buyer usually receives full rights to both, but always check the contract details.

Why music rights matter for producers and buyers

Owning song rights gives you control over how your track is used, distributed, and monetized. This is crucial for releasing music on labels, streaming platforms, or licensing for sync. Without clear rights, you risk disputes or takedowns. At House of Tracks, every exclusive track comes with full rights transfer, so buyers can release and monetize with confidence.

For a deeper dive into music rights and how they affect your releases, see our Music Rights guide.