Music rights: authorship, related rights and reproduction explained in an easy-to-understand manner

Introduction

To talk about music is also to talk about rights. Every time a song is composed, performed or reproduced, different types of music rights come into play. Understanding them is key to avoid losing revenue and to ensure that your work is used under fair conditions.

However, many emerging artists confuse concepts such as “copyright”, “related rights” or “reproduction rights”. In this article we clarify these differences and show how platforms like Shamusic help to protect them from the start.

Copyrights

These are those that correspond to the creator of the work (the composer or lyricist). They include:

• Moral rights: recognition as author, respect for the integrity of the work.

• Economic rights: economic exploitation (reproduction, public communication, distribution, transformation).

These rights arise automatically with creation, but require solid proof of authorship to be defended.

Related rights

Unlike copyrights, related rights correspond to those who participate in the interpretation, execution or production of the work:

• Performers (singers, musicians).

• Phonographic producers (those who record the work).

• Broadcasting organizations.

In Spain, these rights are usually managed through entities such as AIE or AGEDI.

Reproduction and distribution rights

They are a part of the patrimonial rights, and include the possibility of:

• Record and sell physical copies (CD, vinyl).

• Distribute digitally on streaming platforms.

• Authorize reproduction in audiovisual media.

How to protect and manage these rights

• Public registries: ensure state recognition, but are slow and bureaucratic.

• Collective management entities: collect royalties, but do not certify authorship.

• Shamusic: allows you to certify your work instantly on blockchain, guaranteeing an inviolable proof of authorship that then serves as a basis for claiming any right (author or related).

Shamusic’s role as first line of defense

Before you can collect royalties or negotiate contracts, you need to prove that the work is yours. That’s Shamusic’s role:

• Certify your music in minutes.

• Generates an international evidentiary document.

• Strengthen your position with publishers, record labels and collecting societies.

Conclusion

Music rights are multiple and cover composers, performers and producers. Understanding them is essential to avoid losing opportunities and revenues.

With Shamusic, any artist can protect their authorship quickly and reliably, ensuring that their music rights are backed by blockchain technology.