Masters Ownership

[geo731]

If an artist is deceased, who most likely owns the masters. There are several artist I would love to have in rockband that have been deceased since the 70s, 60s and 50s. Would the label they recorded under be the best place to contact? If not or if the label no longer exists what other contacts could I try.

[NotAnotherGT]

Go for the label. Most bands actually don't own their own masters, the record company does. If the record company is gone too... well, the masters are probably gone.

[davidshek]

Go for the label. Most bands actually don't own their own masters, the record company does. If the record company is gone too... well, the masters are probably gone.

They're probably not gone, but it won't be easy to locate who owns them in that case. If an artist is deceased, there would be stipulations in their Will that would decide who got their property, including masters.

[AKALink]

Be careful, the rights to the master will probably be with loved ones who are in general less likely to allow their loved ones music to be in game to protect their "Legacy"