Can I license a song for use in (audio)visual products?
Yes but you need two separate licenses to legally use music in any audiovisual project (e.g. film, video, commercials):
1. Master Use License – for the recording
2. Synchronization License – for the composition
Tency Music can provide the Master Use license for our re-recorded tracks. This allows you to use our licensed recordings in visual content such as commercials, social media videos, or films.
However, to be fully compliant, you must also obtain the Sync license for the composition from the appropriate music publisher(s).
See also...
How does music licensing work?
Music is protected under two types of copyrights:
The Composition: the melody and lyrics, owned by the songwriter and music publisher.
The Recording: the specific performance of that composition—such as a Tency Music re-recording.
To legally use a song, you must get permission for both the composition and the recording, unless it’s in the public domain:
The recording is licensed through the producer or record label (such as Tency Music).
The composition is usually managed by a music publisher and/or music rights societies (e.g. ASCAP, BMI, SESAC in the U.S., PRS in the UK, SACEM in France).
For U.S. users, we also offer a streamlined option through our partner, Easy Song Licensing, to help secure the necessary cover song license.
What's the difference between a publishing company and a record label?
A publishing company manages the composition of a song—the music and lyrics written by the songwriter(s).
A record label manages the recording—the actual audio performance of that composition.
To license a song properly, you often need permission from both: the publisher (for the composition) and the label or licensing company (for the recording). Each party earns royalties for the rights they control.