This is general U.S. information for independent artists, not legal advice. Other countries differ. Session Copy organizes what you record. It does not decide ownership or replace counsel.

A recorded song is usually two works.

The composition is the song’s melody and lyrics. Writers and publishers are associated with the composition.

The sound recording is a specific recorded performance. Its owner is called the master owner.

Features, beat leases, split records, and disputes about “I produced it” can concern ownership or licensing of the composition, the recording, or both. The answer is fact-specific.

Session Copy can record people and split status. It contacts no one unless the user sends an explicit named request. A confirmation is not a contract unless counsel says so.

Examples

All examples are fictional; they are not real cases or legal outcomes.

Example 1

Situation: For “Harbor Light,” Jordan wrote melody and lyrics; Priya sang and paid for the mix.
What the law-side idea is: Composition and master can have different contributors or ownership context.
What to record in Session Copy: Record each person’s roles and mark the split “not agreed.”

Example 2

Situation: A $29 beat lease forbids Content ID and requires credit.
What the law-side idea is: The written lease sets out limits for the third-party beat.
What to record in Session Copy: Record the third-party material, attach the lease, and note its written limits.

Example 3

Situation: A featured verse appears on a streaming master, but there is no split sheet.
What the law-side idea is: The contributor’s agreed share has not been documented in a split sheet.
What to record in Session Copy: Mark the contributor “unconfirmed” and make the next action asking for written shares.