Musicians

Musicians and composers can generally enjoy copyrights in written and recorded works and compilations of such works (e.g., albums, EPs).

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Musicians should have a strong understanding of their rights under any agreements with digital store fronts where they make their music available for purchase or listening (e.g., Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, etc.). Sampling (use of another’s audio work) can sometimes qualify as a fair use, but often obtaining consent is a better course than relying on the fair use doctrine. Before agreeing to allow one’s recorded work to appear in a compilation of music, a musician should understand the scope of the license.