Q&A for How to Buy Music Rights

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Question

Do I need to purchase music rights if my performers only play songs that they have written?

Community Answer

No, that is an original work, of which the performer/author would own the full rights.

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Question

Where should I go if the publisher doesn't seem to exist anymore or can't be found?

Community Answer

Some other company most likely bought it before it disappeared. So try to find the crumb trail of who is in ownership of it now.

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Question

How do I purchase ownership of a song?

Community Answer

The average Joe can't simply buy the ownership of a song. You can either write one and claim ownership or open a records company and buy ownership of songs by other artists that way.

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Question

Who owns the rights to the finished product if I provide a sample music composition to a freelancer to improve upon and pay for this service?

Robbie de Groot

Community Answer

Ownership can depend on the agreement between you and the freelancer. Typically, if the freelancer does not retain any rights, the composition is considered yours. It's advisable to discuss ownership details with the freelancer before starting the project.

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Question

What happens if I don't purchase the rights and post something on social media?

Kori Mullan

Community Answer

If you don't purchase the rights and post something on social media, platforms may take it down if you're unlucky. On YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, you generally won't be able to monetize your video, but you can keep it up unless the record label or owner objects.

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Question

I want to buy the rights to an audio track for use in a meditation audio I will sell online. Do I need to buy the copyright entirely, and if so, how would I do that?

Kori Mullan

Community Answer

It depends on where you are sourcing the music. If it's from YouTube, contact the uploader or look for a link to purchase a license. If it's from a website, you should be able to buy a license directly.

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Question

What is the process for obtaining music rights if a high school in the USA wants to create two medleys, one of musicals and one of Disney, with rearranged music?

Kori Mullan

Community Answer

If the music is played by students with their instruments, you generally don't need rights unless you plan to perform in public or upload it to social media or streaming services.

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