Music licensing can feel complicated — but it doesn’t have to be.
At P Tune Studio, we keep things simple by breaking down the most common licences/rights you may need, along with when and why you might use them.
What Is a Master Recording Licence?
A Master Licence gives someone permission to use an existing, pre-recorded version of a song in a project — whether it’s audio or visual.
However, it does NOT give permission to:
- Re-record the song
- Create a new version
- Make a cover or edit the track
Master licences are usually paired with Sync Licences when the music will be used in visual media.
What Is a Mechanical Licence?
A Mechanical Licence allows an artist to:
- Reproduce someone else’s song
- Distribute a cover legally
- Release the song on streaming platforms or physical formats
But it does NOT cover:
- Sampling
- Editing
- Changing the song’s original composition
- Using parts of another artist’s recording
If you’re making a cover version, this is the licence you need.
What Is a Public Performance Licence?
This is one of the most widely used licences in the music world.
Despite the name, “performance” includes any public broadcast, such as:
- Background music in stores or offices
- Radio airplay
- Live shows or DJ sets
- Music played at public events
This licence ensures the rights holder gets paid whenever their music is publicly heard.
What Is a Sync Licence?
A Sync (Synchronization) Licence is required when music is paired with visual media.
This includes:
- TV commercials
- Movies and films
- YouTube videos
- Social media ads
- Corporate videos
- Personal projects
- Video games
Any time audio “syncs” with visuals — you need a Sync Licence.
What Is a Print Licence?
A Print Licence refers to the right to reproduce sheet music.
You’ll need this licence for:
- Printing sheet music books
- Including sheet music in a product
- Reproducing notation of a copyrighted song
If you’re dealing with physical or digital sheet music, this applies to you.
What Is a Compulsory Licence?
A Compulsory Licence allows musicians to legally record and sell their own version of a previously released song — as long as they pay royalties to the original copyright owner.
This is commonly used for:
- Cover songs
- Rearrangements that don’t alter the composition
- Re-releases of existing tracks
It does not apply to remixes or sampling.
What Are Exclusive Rights?
Exclusive Rights mean that someone — other than the original creator — owns or controls one or more elements of the music, such as:
- Lyrics
- Composition
- Sound recording
This can happen through contracts, publishing deals, or transfers of ownership.
Need More Help?
If you’re unsure which licences you need or want help understanding the rights connected to your music, our Client Management Team is always ready to guide you.
Just click the support chat on our website, and we’ll walk you through everything step by step.