Record labels sign artists so they can produce and sell their sound recordings, either digitally or through physical means such as CDs or vinyl. Depending on the deal, the label could be involved in the recording, mixing, mastering, distribution, marketing and promotion of these recordings and will often own the 'master recording' of a work and all associated sound recording rights but will agree to pay a percentage of net sales (royalties) to the artist(s).
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Distributor
This is a company that sells recorded works (digital products, CDs, vinyl, etc) on behalf of a record label or artist, to online retailers, DSPS or record stores. They will usually charge the label or artist a fee upfront and/or collect a percentage ...
Studio Producer
A Party who directs, and has overall creative and technical oversight of, the entire recording project and the individual recording sessions that are a part of the project. The Producer participates in and/or supervises the recording session and ...
Mechanical Royalty
This refers to earnings from works that are licensed for reproduction or copying in different formats, including the copying of works by record labels or other interested parties to sell then in physical and digital formats.
Album
A collection of recordings issued as a single item on CD, record, or another medium.
Single
A single is a type of release, typically a song recording of fewer tracks than an LP record or an album.