Two layers: composition and recording
In the Netherlands you separate copyright in music and lyrics from rights in the sound recording (the master). Composers and lyricists keep copyright unless assigned by contract; whoever initiates and pays for the recording may hold master rights via a producer agreement or studio terms.
Recording with us is a technical service: €65 per track for mastering, €220 for an EP up to five tracks, €380 up to twelve tracks — all including 21% VAT. Paying does not automatically grant worldwide exploitation rights; that is in terms and conditions and your quote. When in doubt, ask in writing what is included before release.
What mastering does and does not do
Our mastering focuses on final level, sequence and format (streaming, vinyl, broadcast). We work from an approved mix — see mix file formats — and can deliver without unrequested limiting if you master elsewhere afterward.
Mastering is not legal due diligence: sample clearance, covers and loop licences stay your responsibility. Our engineers do not review contracts; for major campaigns use an entertainment lawyer.
Performers and session musicians
Every singer and player on the master has neighbouring rights and must consent to exploitation of the recording. In practice: signed session agreements or band members agreeing to release. On band recording with more than one person: agree credits and splits before mastering.
Minimum age in our studio is 16; minors need parental consent for binding deals. Keep email confirmations and riders; platforms often ask for credits later.
Buma/Stemra and Sena in brief
Authors and publishers often register works with Buma/Stemra for radio, TV and live royalties. That is separate from your master deal with the studio, but distributors may ask for splits and ISRCs. Sena handles remuneration for performers and producers of recordings on radio — that too needs correct registration.
We are not a collecting society; use their sites for current forms and tariffs. If you self-release, plan registration before marketing, not the week after mastering.
Credits and metadata
Streaming shows what you supply: title, artist, featured artists, songwriter credits, ISRC per track. Mastering is the last good moment to fix spelling — changes after upload sometimes cost distributor fees.
Keep names consistent across mix, master and artwork. Voice-over and audiovisual jobs often use different credit rules; see voice-over and audiovisual and your client production contract.
Archive, files and privacy
We keep session and master files for 24 months unless agreed otherwise. Projects may then be deleted; download finals and stems in time. Project email falls under privacy policy; send sensitive contracts without open cc — ask for a data processing agreement when you process guest personal data for a company.
Delivery is via secure link or physical media; do not put passwords in the same email as the link. Questions: [email protected] or 020 - 707 4829, reply within 2 working days during Mon–Fri 10–22, Sat 10–18.
Practical steps before release
- Approve mix and archive stems per mix guide.
- Book master: €65 per song or bundle €220 / €380.
- Put rights and credits in writing with band or client.
- Prepare ISRC and metadata for your distributor.
- Register with Buma/Stemra or Sena if applicable.
- Release after studio invoices are paid (B2B: 14 days may apply).
Cancel mastering up to 7 days before the appointment under the same rules as tracking; 40% deposit may apply on longer projects.
Summary
Mastering at Resourceworks in Amsterdam is the last technical step — Mastering — not the legal wrap-up. Separate copyright, master rights and performer rights; read terms and conditions and your quote; use contact for project-specific questions. Pair with band budget planning if you run recording through master in one path.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For label, sync or advertising contracts, have wording reviewed by a specialist.
