What Are "Master Rights"?

Questions & Letters to TAXI

Answered by Michael Laskow, CEO, TAXI, and Craig Streaman, Manager, A&R, TAXI

I'm a member as of November '07. Could someone explain the concept of "Master Rights"? I've seen this in the listings dealing with material that is not original (rearrangements, etc.). How does one go about obtaining " Master Rights" to a piece?

—Eli

Hey Eli,

Thanks for the e-mail. Great question - and one that is well worth understanding! Master Rights refers to owning the original MASTER sound recordings, and having the right to use the recording as you feel fit.

Unless otherwise agreed upon with a record label, publisher, or other entity, you own the rights if you created the recording - just as with copyright.

I HIGHLY recommend getting your hands on a copy of All You Need to Know About the Music Business, by Donald Passman. His book is still one of the most well read, and considered to be one of the most comprehensive books on this and many other music business and legal topics.

You can find it on Amazon.com.

You can read more about Master Rights and Recordings specifically on Wikipedia here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_recording

I read through the page myself, and it really has a lot of great information.

Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions that you may have. Thanks, and have a great day!

—Craig

I've been a member of TAXI since November 2007. I've been writing and sending songs to "will-accept" music publishers for 20 years on-and-off. During that time I have received some good advice and feedback but no deals. When I joined TAXI I felt confident that my talent would be recognized but I duped myself into believing that I was only in it for the feedback. Needless to say, after 40 plus "returns" and only one "forward," I have been humbled, hurt, and encouraged.

I did a lot of research before joining TAXI and concluded that the neighsayers were mostly sour grapes individuals. I've seen many of these folks as I have been the president of my local union (National Association of Letter Carriers) and I was struck by the similarities between that job and yours. A deciding factor for me was your rating with the Better Business Bureau. While it wasn't perfect (it never could be) TAXI always attempted to meet the unhappy members half way in the few instances where complaints were raised.

I really enjoy the focus provided by TAXI listings, the recommended readings, and most of the critiques, and I look forward to being signed with someone soon! Thanks for providing the vehicle for such an interesting ride!

—TAXI Member Dennis (Tim) McCarthy

Dear Tim,

Thanks for your letter. I'm glad you brought up the sour grapes issue. In our line of work, we deal with that issue a dozen times a day. There are a lot of songwriters and artists who aren't quite ready for the big leagues, but they haven't entered the "stadium" yet, to take a peek at reality.

While most other companies would discount their efforts and happily blow them off, we see our job at TAXI as the one company that will take these folks by the hand, educate them, and help them get good enough so they CAN play in the major leagues.

We love to hear from the members we've helped to accomplish that goal. I can see the twinkle in my staff 's eyes.

—Thanks, Michael

I love TAXI!!! I love TAXI!!!!!

Hello, I really love TAXI! I am a subscriber and felt reading the newsletters, and the monthly listing very enriching because it allowed me to see what opportunity was out there. And want to subscribe again!

Unfortunately I am a singer/lyrist and I don't play an instrument, so my opportunity was very limited. After paying my membership last year and searching the listings I realized that I was screwed! Sorry TAXI!!! What can I say? I couldn't send my songs!

My TAXI experience was disappointing. I even called twice asking, "Is it true, I can't send songs without an instrument???" I have at least nine songs finished with music (my voice) and lyrics.

In April, I started to take guitar lessons and voice to increase my skills and marketability. My guitar teacher put his own songs aside and is working on mine, and my voice teacher said, "Your words and music are amazing! They are so unique! I can't wait 'til the music is with them!!"

I am a high school teacher and I make my kids listen to my songs. At first it was, "Yeah they're OK, not bad (very just OK)." Now they smile a bit and ask me to sing more.

What better critics!

And I won an award (laugh, snicker I know) I read your news: don't send to competitions. It was the Song of the Year competition. My first entries gave me recognition in regards to my consistent quality and creativity.

My first song was published in the local newspaper. It is not written in a traditional format (which I read in a TAXI article and practice to a point) because when I sing it, it works.

Embarrassed and not a quitter!

Hope to see you at the Road Rally!

—I love TAXI!!! Susan L. Webb

Dear Susan,

Wow! I'm speechless. Thanks for your VERY enthusiastic letter. I hope to see you at the Road Rally. It's coming right up (November 6-9). Current members can sign up here: http://www.taxi.com/rally/signup2008.html

—Michael

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TAXI

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