Who wrote it?
The underlying musical work—melody, lyrics and composition—can have different owners from the recording.
Music law without turning musicians into lawyers
THE SONG, THE RECORDING AND THE SHOW ARE NOT THE SAME RIGHT.
A band can own a recording without owning every song on it. A venue may need public-performance licenses for copyrighted music. A livestream can raise different questions from a live room. A photo release is not the same thing as copyright ownership. ANCHOR needs a rights workflow early because community music produces real creative property.
Plain-language map
Four questions before publish or perform.
Who recorded it?
The sound recording is its own copyrighted work. Performers, producers or an organization may have interests depending on the actual arrangement.
Who is performing it publicly?
Public performance of copyrighted musical works is a licensed right. Venues and presenters need to know who is responsible for the applicable licenses.
Who can publish the image?
Photo/video consent, ownership and permitted use should be addressed separately—especially for minors and supported adults.
Interactive checklist
Before a show, stream or release.
This is an issue-spotting tool, not legal advice. It tells a team what still needs a real answer.
Primary references: U.S. Copyright Office — musicians ↗ · performing rights organizations ↗ · ASCAP licensing ↗ · BMI licensing ↗