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Session rights: who owns what after recording?

Band members, producers and the studio play different roles. This guide outlines how Nanigolixar treats material from band recording and other sessions under Dutch law, without replacing your lawyer.

Published · 5 min read

Band and director discussing documents at table

Two layers: composition and recording

Dutch law separates musical works (melody, lyrics, arrangement) from sound recordings. Authors keep copyright in the work; performers hold neighbouring rights in their performance; the producer of the fixation has a separate neighbouring right in the master. Collective management (Buma/Stemra for authors, Sena for neighbouring rights in many cases) may still apply when you broadcast or stream.

Buying studio time does not automatically transfer all rights. What you may do with WAV files depends on contracts between members, producers and Nanigolixar B.V.. Read terms and conditions before you sign.

What the studio delivers by default

After payment per quote we deliver multitrack or stereo exports as agreed. Nanigolixar does not claim co-ownership of your music; we only use anonymized examples in portfolio if you agree in writing — otherwise we do not.

We retain session files 12 months for recovery; that is not a licence for us to release them. See privacy policy for personal data of members and guests.

Band agreements and splits

Even without a label you need internal rules: who decides release, who receives streaming income, what happens when someone leaves. Write that down before you set up in our 45 m² live room. Verbal “we share everything” breaks on a sync deal or sample dispute.

Session musicians often sign a side agreement stating buy-out or royalty. Sort that before recording day; we can share standard templates but do not judge individual splits. Complex deals: your solicitor via contact.

Samples, covers and sync

Sample and cover clearance is your duty before mix or master. We do not auto-stop sessions on doubt, but may delay delivery if you plan commercial use without licence proof. Film, ads and games need sync rights beyond the master — arrange those outside the studio.

Podcast music beds: see podcast formats for export; jingle rights stay separate. Disclaimer notes web copy is indicative.

Producers and engineers

Our engineers work for Nanigolixar B.V. under Linde van der Berg; they do not claim points on your release unless a separate producer deal says so. Technical support is included in €145 band recording, not automatic co-writing credit. Roles are listed on about us.

External producers you bring belong to your project contractually. Align their export and metadata rights with band agreements — confusion there costs more later than an hour in studio.

Minors and guests

Minimum age to book independently is 16; younger artists need a parent or guardian on paper. More than 8 people do not fit the layout — do not treat audience as extras without planning.

Photos or video on site for socials? Get consent from everyone on camera; we do not shoot promo without arrangement. Site cookies use — separate from music rights.

Practical table for bands

TopicSettle before release
SongwritingSplits between authors
MasterOwner/producer agreement
PerformersGuests signed or buy-out paid
StudioQuote + terms accepted
DataBand backup; our archive 12 months

General information only, not legal advice. International release or label deals need a specialist.

Book and follow-up

Ready to record? Book band recording via contact or call 020 785 42 16. Follow with vocal prep if vocals move to iso booths. Mix next: mixing budget. Payment and cancellation: FAQ. Bring signed guest forms on the day if you use them.

Recording in Amsterdam?

Talk through your next session

A short brief is enough: we reply within 2 working days with a slot suggestion and a written quote.

Request a quote 020 785 42 16