What is the difference between master rights and publishing rights?

Master rights and publishing rights are two distinct sets of rights in the music industry

Master Rights

Master rights refer to the rights associated with the actual recording of a musical work. They are typically owned by the party that financed and produced the recording, such as the record label or the artist themselves if they self-produced the recording.

These rights pertain to the specific sound recording itself, including the performance of the artists, the production elements, and any other creative aspects involved in capturing the performance.
Master rights holders have the authority to license and distribute the recording in various formats, such as physical CDs, digital downloads, streaming, synchronization in audiovisual works (e.g., movies, TV shows), and more.

Publishing Rights

Publishing rights, also known as copyright or composition rights, refer to the rights associated with the underlying musical composition or songwriting elements of a musical work.
These rights are typically owned by the songwriter(s) or composer(s) who created the lyrics, melody, and musical arrangement of the song. In some cases, publishing rights may be assigned to a music publisher or publishing company.

Publishing rights encompass the right to reproduce, distribute, perform, and license the underlying musical composition. This includes activities such as mechanical licenses (for physical or digital reproduction), synchronization licenses (for use in audiovisual works), performance rights (for public performances), and more.

In summary, master rights relate to the specific recording of a song, while publishing rights relate to the underlying musical composition or songwriting elements. Both sets of rights are crucial for managing and monetizing music, and they may be owned by different parties depending on the specifics of the recording and publishing agreements.