I. Foundations
1. The Two Copyrights
Firstly, it’s important to note that there are two different copyrights attached to any song: the composition copyright and the master copyright (also called the sound recording copyright). While Publishers usually deal with the composition copyright which is owned by the composers/songwriters, the sound recording right is the recording of the song and is usually owned or exclusively controlled by whoever financed the recording of it, i.e., a label, an artist or a group of artists.
Compositions – Composers/songwriters
Sound Recordings – Artists
| ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code) Identifies the underlying composition (the song itself). Think: the songwriting. One ISWC covers all versions of the same song (covers, remixes, recordings). Used by composers, publishers, and rights organizations to track songwriting royalties. | ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) Identifies a specific audio recording (the exact version of a track). Think: this recording file. Each version (studio, live, remix) gets its own ISRC. Used by labels, distributors, and streaming platforms to track plays and royalties. |
The Dual Identity of a Track: ISWC vs. ISRC
Example: Rihanna - Diamonds Written by Sia.
Sia owns the composition (idea, lyrics, melody); Rihanna owns the recording
If Najwa Karam does a cover of Shine bright like a diamond, Najwa Karam has created a new Sound recording of Sia’s Composition.