What Is a Master License? What Is a Publishing/Mechanical License?

Almost every recorded song you hear is actually two separate copyrights stacked on top of each other. Confusing them is the single most common reason a sample clearance stalls.

The composition (the "song")

This is the underlying music and lyrics — the thing a songwriter writes down. It is usually controlled by a music publisher on behalf of the songwriters. Licenses on this side include the mechanical license (the right to reproduce and distribute the composition) and the synchronization license (using it in video).

The mechanical right is unusual: U.S. law sets a compulsory rate, so anyone can record their own version of a released song without asking permission, as long as they pay the statutory rate — about 12¢ per copy for songs five minutes or shorter (Copyright Royalty Board, 2023–2027 term).

The sound recording (the "master")

This is one specific recorded performance — the actual audio. It is usually owned by a record label. A master use license is permission to use that exact recording. There is no compulsory rate here: the owner can say no, or name any price.

This is exactly why our song pages split "Who Owns It" into the recording owner and the songwriters/publisher — they are frequently different companies, and you may need a yes from each.