What is a “music download”?

10Oct0 LIKES

What is a “music download”?

Popular online stores that sell music downloads include the iTunes Store, Amazon MP3, eMusic, Google Play, Nokia Music Store, and more. Paid music downloads are almost always compressed using a lossy codec (usually MPEG-1 Layer 3, Window Media, or AAC), which reduces file size and bandwidth requirements. On the legal side of things, a music download requires both a master use license (to cover the “sound recording”) and a mechanical license (to cover the “musical work”). The good news is that Sugo Music Group provides a one-stop service for our label partners by managing all mandatory licenses and legal requirements for all global download distributions!

Read More
Posted by: admin
10Oct0 LIKES

What is “non-interactive digital streaming (Internet radio)?

Non-interactive streaming services are very generally defined as those in which the user experience mimics a radio broadcast. That is, users may not choose a specific track or artist they wish to hear, but are provided a pre-programmed or semi-random combination of tracks, the specific selection and order of which remain unknown to the listener (i.e. no pre-published playlist). Unlike music downloads or podcasts, streaming does not result in permanent copies of masters or songs being transferred to the listener. Rather, streaming is transient and any resulting copies aretypically only temporary cache or buffer copies (also known as “ephemeral” copies). On the legal side of things, a...
Read More
Posted by: admin
10Oct0 LIKES

What is an “interactive stream” (on-demand Internet radio)?

Interactive or on-demand streaming services allow the listener to select and play any song “on-demand”. This is distinctly different from non-interactive streams. That is, users may choose a specific track or artist they wish to hear, and are typically provided a pre-published playlist, in many cases. On the legal side of things, a music download requires both a mechanical master use license (to cover the “sound recording”) and a public performance license from ASCAP, BMI, or other Performing Rights Organizations (to cover the “musical work”). The good news is that Sugo Music Group provides a one-stop service for our label partners by managing all mandatory licenses and legal...
Read More
Posted by: admin
10Oct0 LIKES

What is a “tethered download” (limited download)?

A tethered download is a song file downloaded from a music subscription service that can be played only on computers registered to the account, as opposed to untethered downloads which can be played on compatible portable devices. Some services provide limited or “tethered” downloads, in which copies are made directly to user devices; however, the copies become unusable (or “expire”) after a certain period of time or when the user stops paying a service fee (and the copies may be usable only on certain devices). On the legal side of things, a tethered download requires both a master uselicense (to cover the “sound recording”) and a mechanical license (to cover the “musical...
Read More
Posted by: admin
10Oct0 LIKES

What are “ringtones”?

Ringtones are digital copies of songs, typically around 30 seconds in duration, that are designed to be played on a mobile phone in order to signal an incoming call in the same manner as would a telephone ring. Ringtones come from a variety of sources, but, most commonly, mobile phone customers download ringtones from their service providers, such as AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon. Ringtones come in two types: (1) synthesized (either monophonic, which have only a single melodic line, or polyphonic, which have both melody and harmony); and (2) mastertones (which are digital excerpts of sound recordings). Synthesized ringtones only require a mechanical license to cover the musical work, while...
Read More
Posted by: admin
10Oct0 LIKES

What is a “podcast”?

Music “podcasting” is a hybrid of streaming and music downloads. Typically, “podcasts” are full-length radio programs that the end user downloads (either automatically or on-demand) to their computer or mobile device, such as an iPod, MP3 player, or “smart” phone. Podcasts require both a master use and mechanical license. The good news is that Sugo Music Group provides a one-stop service for our label partners by managing all mandatory licenses and legal requirements on any global podcast distributions!

Read More
Posted by: admin
10Oct0 LIKES

What is “website background music”?

To use recorded copyrighted music as background music on a website, site broadcasters need permission from both the sound recording owner and the musical work (“song”) owner. Statutory compulsory licenses generally do not apply to website background music, since website background music involves incorporation of the music with images (or “synchronization”).Permissions would need to cover both the required server copy and the public performance of the music on the website. The good news is that Sugo Music Group provides a one-stop service for our label partners by managing all mandatorylicenses and legal requirements on any global website background music distributions!

Read More
Posted by: admin
10Oct0 LIKES

What is “sound recording in web videos”?

To use an existing sound recording in a web video, both a mechanical license from the publisher and a master use license from the record company are required. Since web videos will involve the synchronization of music with images, these licenses should clearly grant synchronization rights. Performance licenses are also required for videos played on websites, which for the musical works are typically secured from ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC as blanket licenses. Note that for music videos, publishers typically permit the record companies to sublicense the underlying musical work, so in these cases, full permission to use music videos on a website may be secured directly from us. The good news is...
Read More
Posted by: admin

Contact Us

Get your Global Music Distribution Agreement here!