Sync Lingo 101

• Adaptive Music: Music that dynamically changes based on user interaction, popular in video games and virtual environments.

• AI Composed Music: Music created using artificial intelligence, raising new licensing considerations for ownership and copyright.

• All Media: Refers to usage rights across all forms of media, including TV, film, radio, internet, and more.

• AMXT: Abbreviation for "All Media Except Theatrical," meaning all rights except theatrical release.

• Assignment of Copyright: A legal transfer of ownership of copyright from one party to another.

• Audit Clause: A contract provision allowing one party to examine the other’s financial records related to the agreement.

• Background Instrumental: Music used as background without prominent focus, typically without vocals.

• Background Vocal: Music used in the background where vocals are present but not the focus.

• Blanket License: A license allowing unlimited use of a music catalog for a set period.

• Bumpers: Short music segments used for transitions in programming, like intros and outros.

• Buy-Out: A one-time payment for permanent usage rights without ongoing royalties.

• Clearance: The process of securing legal rights to use music in a project.

• Closing Theme (End Title): Music that plays during the end credits of a production.

• Credits: The acknowledgment of music creators, usually listed in end titles or accompanying materials.

• Cue Sheets: Documents submitted to PROs detailing music usage in a production for royalty tracking.

• Custom Commission: Music specifically created for a project, where the client retains specific usage rights.

• Debase: Devaluing a piece of music, often by inappropriate or excessive usage.

• Duration: The length of time a song is licensed for use in a project.

• Dynamic Pricing: A pricing model where licensing fees vary based on factors like audience size, distribution channel, or budget.

• Exclusivity: Grants exclusive rights to use the music, restricting others from licensing it.

• Exclusivity of Brand: Ensures the music is only associated with a specific brand during the term.

• Featured Instrumental: Instrumental music prominently used and focused on in a scene.

• In Context Use: Use of music as originally intended in its specific scene or purpose.

• Industrial: Music used for internal corporate purposes like training videos or presentations.

• In Perpetuity: Rights granted forever without time limits.

• Interactive Streaming: Streaming that allows users to choose and play specific tracks on demand.

• License: Permission to use music under specific terms and conditions.

• Licensee: The party receiving the license to use music.

• Licensor: The party granting the license to use music.

• Linear Use: Music used in a fixed, non-interactive sequence, like in traditional TV or film.

• Master Rights: Rights to the sound recording of a song.

• Metadata: Embedded information about a music file, such as title, artist, and rights holders.

• Mechanical Rights: Rights to reproduce and distribute a musical composition in recorded form.

• Most Favored Nations (MFN): A clause ensuring one party gets terms equal to the best terms offered to others.

• Music Editor: A professional responsible for aligning music to visual content in productions.

• NFT Licensing: Licensing music for use or sale as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), including fractional ownership or rights.

• Non-Exclusive: A license allowing multiple parties to use the same music.

• One-Stop: A licensing setup where both master and publishing rights can be cleared from one source.

• Opening Theme: Music that plays at the start of a production, such as a TV show.

• Out of Context Use: Music used in a way that differs from its original intended scene or purpose.

• Per-Side: Refers to fees or payments divided between master and publishing rights holders.

• Performing Rights Organization (PRO): An organization that collects and distributes performance royalties.

• Performing Rights Royalties: Payments for public performances of music, such as on TV or radio.

• Platform-Specific Use: Licensing that restricts the usage of music to a single platform, such as TikTok or YouTube.

• Pre-cleared Music: Music that has already been licensed for specific uses.

• Production Music: Music created specifically for licensing in media projects.

• Public Domain: Music or content free of copyright restrictions and available for public use.

• Publisher Share: The portion of publishing royalties allocated to the music publisher.

• Publishing Rights: Rights to the composition of a song, including lyrics and melody.

• Re-titling: Creating a new title for a song to track royalties under multiple uses.

• Ringtone: A short audio clip used as a mobile phone ringtone.

• Rollover: Extending a license or agreement for an additional term under the same conditions.

• Royalty-Free Music: A licensing model where users pay once and can use the music without ongoing royalties.

• Sampling: Using a portion of an existing sound recording in a new composition.

• Sonic Branding: Custom audio cues or music created to represent a brand identity, like jingles or sound logos.

• Sound Recording: The actual recorded performance of a song.

• Source Code: Music that originates from an on-screen source, like a radio or jukebox.

• Spatial Audio: 3D audio formats requiring new licensing considerations for immersive experiences like VR or AR.

• Stems: Individual tracks of a recording, such as vocals, drums, and instruments, provided for editing.

• Step Deal: A payment structure where fees increase based on usage milestones.

• Stinger: A short, impactful burst of music used to punctuate a scene or transition.

• Streaming Revenue Share: A licensing agreement where royalties are based on revenue generated by streaming platforms.

• Synchronization Use: Music paired with visual media, such as film or TV.

• Sync Rights: Rights required to synchronize music with visual content.

• Territory: Geographic region where the licensed music can be used.

• Temp Track: Placeholder music used during editing until the final music is secured.

• Term: The duration of time for which a music license is valid.

• Theme: Recurring music associated with a production, like a TV show's signature melody.

• Upfront Fees: Payments made at the start of a licensing agreement.

• User-Generated Content (UGC) Rights: Licensing terms allowing or restricting the use of music in user-generated videos on platforms like TikTok or YouTube.

• Virtual Concert Licensing: Rights specific to music used in virtual or metaverse concerts and events.

• Visual Instrumental: Instrumental music that plays while appearing connected to on-screen visuals.

• VR/AR Sync Rights: Synchronization rights for music used in virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) experiences.

• Work on Spec: Creating music without a guaranteed payment, hoping it gets selected.

• Writer Share: The portion of royalties allocated to the songwriter(s).