Music licenses

Sync, mechanical, cover, master use, public performance — which licenses when needed

License types

Sync license

Music in video/ads/film — needs two licenses: the composition (writer/publisher) and the master (master owner). Price from hundreds to millions depending on media and reach.

Mechanical license

Reproducing a composition on physical/digital media — CD, vinyl, downloads. US has a statutory rate; in Ukraine — by agreement with the author.

Cover version

Covering another's song: your recording, their composition — needs a mechanical license (author's consent in Ukraine). Can't change lyrics/melody without consent.

Master use license

Using a specific recording (sample, remix with original audio) — license from the master owner + composition. Even a 1-second sample needs one.

Public performance

Playing music publicly, radio, venues — venue pays CMO license, royalties go to writers and performers. Live concerts need separate permits.

Live covers

Live cover in a venue — usually covered by the venue's CMO license. Your own cover concert — declare the program; license deductions from the fee.

Two separate rights objects: the composition and the recording (master). Almost any commercial use of a recording needs consent from both. Samples and remixes with original audio are the riskiest zone.