The following information is regarding TuneCore's Publishing Administration service
It is important to acknowledge that when a song is written and recorded, two unique and individual copyrights are created; the sound recording and the underlying composition. The former refers to a recording of a performance of a composition whereas the latter refers to the unique qualities that make up a composition such as the rhythm, chords, lyrics and melody.
A composition is a musical work, with or without lyrics, that has been created by a songwriter/composer.
A sound recording, often also referred to as a “master”, is the recording of a performance of a composition.
- Who gets paid from licensed uses of musical compositions?
Songwriters and composers and the money is usually collected by a publishing administrator such as TuneCore Publishing. - Who gets paid from licensed uses of sound recordings?
Performers/Artists and the money is usually collected by a record label or distributor such as TuneCore’s distribution service.
Both copyrights generate different revenue streams that require their own unique administration. For more information: