Types of Rights

There are three basic types of music rights that are covered in NASCAM’s scope of operation. They are Performing Rights, Mechanical Rights and Needletime Rights. Each of these rights pertains to different artists and Music Creators who participate in the production of musical works.

Mechanical Rights royalties are earned by music composers, lyricists and publishers when their musical works are copied onto CD, DVD, tape, video, MP3 or computer hard drive, or as cellphone ringtones. For example, every time a song is legally bought and downloaded online, Mechanical Rights ensure the owners of the song get their hard earned royalties.

Needletime Rights royalties are earned by recording artists (such as musicians, singers or backing vocalists, and studio producers). They may not have actually written or composed the song, but they helped to record it. They score when their recorded performance is played or performed in public, for example, on a radio station. They don’t get as much as the person who owns the song, but they get their fair share.

Performing Rights are royalties earned by the people who own the musical work. They’re the people who create original works – such as composers, lyricists or music publishers. They earn royalties when their musical creations are performed in public – for example when they are played on the radio or on TV, or at a concert.