Work

Work

A Work is the compositional element of a song, optimally identified by an ISWC. Think sheet music. This means the song ‘as written’, therefore a complete reinvention, remix and retitle of the same song should have the same ISWC as the original version. An ISWC is an International Standard Musical Work Code, a unique, permanent and internationally recognized ISO reference number for the identification of musical works. For example, the same song, released separately by two different artists has the same ISWC. If the song was remixed to the point of requiring a credit for additional songwriting, it would have a new ISWC. David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” and Something for Kate’s “Let’s Dance” have the same ISWC, as they stem from the same composition.

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    • International Standard Musical Work Code (ISWC)

      An ISWC is an International Standard Musical Work Code, a unique, permanent and internationally recognized ISO reference number for the identification of musical works. For example, the same song, released separately by two different artists has the ...

    • Remix

      This consists of a new work that uses elements of other pre-existing work(s) by using samples, deconstructing and reassembling parts of the original work. There could be several different remixes of one work.

    • Composer

      The composer is the creator of melody and/or accompaniment in a musical work.

    • Author

      The author is the writer and creator of lyrics in a musical work. 

    • Copyright Owner

      This is the creator and owner of a musical work. Only the original copyright owner(s) or their Publisher can exert control over the use of their work and be paid royalties for any earnings or revenue it might generate. All copyright owners of an ...