Every song has two sides: the recording and the composition. Understanding the difference between them is key to knowing how you earn money from your music.
Master Recordings
A master recording is the actual recorded performance of a song (the version that people can listen to, stream, or buy).
You can earn money from your master recordings by:
- Selling your recordings directly (like CDs or vinyl at shows)
- Distributing your music to digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes through a distributor like Too Lost
Music Publishing
Music publishing refers to the underlying composition (the melody, lyrics, and structure of the song itself). Even if someone else records or performs your song, you still own (and can earn from) the composition.
You earn publishing royalties when others use your song, such as:
- Mechanical royalties: when your song is reproduced (for example, when a label manufactures or streams a recording of your composition)
- Performance royalties: when your music is played on the radio, in restaurants, on websites, or live venues
- Sync royalties: when your music is licensed for use in TV shows, movies, ads, or video games