A recording contract (or record deal) grants a label the right to release recordings in exchange for royalties paid to the artist. The label typically owns the master recordings. Artist royalties in UK deals typically range from 15–25% of PPD (published price to dealers) after recoupment of the advance.

• Label typically owns master recordings — artist owns composition unless separate publishing deal
• Advances are recoupable (paid back from royalties) but not returnable
• 360 deals: label takes share of all income, not just recordings
• Lockstep delivery: album must be delivered before next advance paid
• Independent labels: PPL registration important for broadcast royalties

Legal reference: Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988; MCPS; PPL