The owner as well as authorized third parties have the right to 1 reproduce the work ie mechanical reproduction of the music for cds downloads and vinyl 2 distribute the work ie stream or otherwise make the music publicly available 3 prepare derivative works 4 publicly perform the work ie in a concert or on the radio and 5 publicly display the work this . Learn more about mark quails practice here and listen to the music law podcast for more info on music copyright law follow mark on twitter and instagram learn about distributing your music online and how releasing with landr works for your copyrighted music. Music copyright is insanely complicated and its only getting more complex here are a few basics to know from an attorney who specializes in music law. Music copyrights protect recordings differently than the music contained in a recording the words melody rhythm and harmony combined together may be used without permission but still must be credited and paid recordings on the other hand are strictly prohibited from being used unless the copyright holder gives written permission