Two layers: song and recording
Music splits rights. The author of a song (melody, lyrics, protectable arrangement) holds copyright. Performers on the recording have neighbouring rights in their performance. The producer of the phonogram — usually whoever initiates and pays for the recording — holds rights in that master.
With Band recording in Amsterdam you typically track your own material. Labsterra B.V. supplies the room, engineers and files; we do not automatically co-own your songs unless expressly agreed in writing under the terms and conditions.
Who decides what
Streaming, vinyl or sync needs permission from right holders: writers (or publishers), performers on the master, and the recording producer. In a band without paperwork, decide before the session who may edit, mix, release and collect income.
Capture it in a short band agreement or split sheet: songwriting percentages per track and who “owns” the master for distribution. One person handling admin can be efficient — only with explicit mandate from everyone else.
Session players and guests
If a hired musician plays on your take, record that their fee covers this master and list allowed uses (album, video, live playback). In the Netherlands, written consent for exploiting the recording is standard via a session agreement or confirmed email.
Track guests in our 42 m² live room or iso booths — allow time for paperwork before the first downbeat. Minimum age on site is 16; younger members need parental consent (privacy policy).
Collective management
Composition rights in the Netherlands are often managed through Buma/Stemra (writers and publishers). Public performance and many online uses run on licences held by platforms; that is separate from your studio deal, but releasing without registration causes delays.
Performers’ neighbouring rights may involve Sena for radio and public broadcast. This is not a full tariff guide — only a reminder to register splits before sending masters to Mastering.
What Labsterra delivers and keeps
After Band recording you receive multitrack or mix-ready material as agreed. Studio time is €125 per hour; an eight-hour day is €920 including 21% VAT. We archive project data for 24 months — not indefinite cloud storage; keep your own copy.
Engineers give creative input but do not choose public takes. Release decisions stay with you as right holders. File handover rules: exchanging stems.
Splits and credits
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Split sheet | Songwriter percentages per track |
| Master agreement | Who distributes and collects |
| Session release | Guest musician permission |
Streaming credits should match facts; fixing wrong splits later is harder than signing upfront. Use the same names you register with Buma/Stemra where applicable.
Avoiding conflict
- Before a €920 day, decide who owns raw files.
- Agree whether members may edit at home and who submits the final mix to Mixing.
- Revision limits: 2 rounds are standard on mixes — not unlimited “until everyone is happy” without extra work.
- Discuss exit: what if a member leaves before release?
Route changes via contact; we can supply technical exports, not mediate between members.
Not legal advice
This page is general information for bands recording in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Contracts and cross-border deals need professional review. For label deals, sync or international rollout, ask an IP lawyer.
Ready to book? See Band recording, read prepare your vocals for vocal takes, and check the FAQ on deposits (30%) and cancellation (5 days). Call 020 244 18 06.
