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Naxos Licensing

Licensing – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Music Copyright:

There are two types of music copyright:

  1. The composition — which is the written music, lyrics, and melody.
  2. The sound recording — which is a specific recorded version of the composition (music, lyrics & melody).

Composition/song: The songwriter usually owns the composition and often works with a music publisher to administer and license the rights in that composition (commonly known as the Publishing Rights).

Recording: The sound recording, or master recording is usually owned by the record label or whoever financed, produced, or otherwise owns the specific audio recording of a composition (commonly known as master rights).

Naxos is the owner of the Master Rights to a large catalogue of music that we can license to you on a worldwide basis. We also represent many third-party labels’ catalogues for licensing.

What is Music Licensing?

Music licensing is the process of obtaining permission from the relevant music copyright holders in order to use a piece of music in a project such as a film, TV show, online video, advert, or social media post. The number of ways to license music is extensive and the key element is that you need to obtain all the necessary approvals before using a piece of music.

Our expert team can help you negotiate this process in an efficient and timely manner.

How to License our Music?

Naxos can grant licenses for the master recordings within our catalogue and provide quotes on the uses required.
The fee to license our music will vary and is dependent on where the music is used in the project, method of distribution, the term and territory of the license.

To use one of our music recordings in your project, you will need to contact us directly and negotiate a license.

We have licensed our music for use in these types of media:

  • Film
  • TV
  • Cinema
  • Advertising, commercials & branding
  • Online use (including social media)
  • Video games
  • Theatrical productions
  • Public performance / museum & gallery use
  • Audiobooks
  • Airline and travel industries

Please use the Contact Us page for the correct contact for your country.

We are happy to help with any questions, supply music ideas for your project and do searches on a specific theme or topic.

For general enquiries please email licensing@naxos.com

What are the Types of Master Use Licenses?

Synchronisation

Synchronisation or “Synch Licensing” relates to placing music to an image or moving picture.

A synchronisation ‘synch’ licence is required when a musical work is used in combination with another form of media, usually visual, and is most commonly sought for use in TV, film, advert, online trailer, corporate video, or social media post.

For film and television, synchronization is crucial. The music must align with the on-screen action, creating the appropriate mood and enhancing the viewer's experience. Synchronization ensures that all elements of a musical performance or production work together seamlessly, creating a pleasing and engaging auditory and visual experience.

Manufacture / Compilation Licensing

A master recording license, also called a master use license or master license, grants the recipient the right to use the entirety or any parts of the original sound recording for their means. For example, obtaining a license to include a Naxos track within a compilation CD.

Public Performance

A Public Performance license is needed when using our recorded music in public such as for accompaniment to a live dance performance or as background to a theatre play. Music has the power to convey emotions, create tension, or establish a particular atmosphere. In dance productions, the choreography often aligns with the music, creating a symbiotic relationship between movement and sound. Music helps dancers stay in sync, and the choreography can be designed to highlight musical nuances.

Sampling

If another artist or producer wants to sample a portion of a recording, they usually need to obtain permission (a license) from the master rights holder. This can involve negotiations and the payment of fees.