A sound recording is an actual recorded rendition of a song or musical composition. There can be different sound recordings of the same musical composition. The sound recording copyright is typically owned by the record label that represents the artist. Copyright for Sound Recordings. However, the term, according to the Copyright Act, does not include audio-visual products, such as videotape.
Music publishers represent musical works, composers and lyricists.
They market, license and promote songs for songwriters. A record label or record company makes, distributes and markets sound recordings of their artists. To perform a musical composition publicly, the user must obtain a license from the copyright owner or his representatives. There are some exceptions for certain governmental, educational or religious uses. Sound recording owners have limited public performance rights as well.