Three layers side by side
Roughly three tracks coexist: the work (melody and lyrics — copyright), the performance (your take in the booth) and the master (the fixed recording). In the Netherlands, copyright and neighbouring rights sit in national law; collective organisations such as Buma/Stemra and Sena handle certain public uses and remuneration.
Morceauxnode B.V. provides studio and engineering services; we are not a law firm. For bespoke contracts, consult a specialist. Our baseline terms are in terms and conditions and privacy policy.
Who may use the vocal?
If you book and pay as the artist, we need to know upfront: is the take for your single, a label release or a producer’s beat? The beat maker often needs separate master and revenue terms beyond your performance.
Put permitted uses in writing: streaming, video, live performance, advertising sync, third-party remix. Vague «everything allowed» clauses help nobody in a dispute. Preparation tips: vocal warm-up and vocal recording.
Features, fees and credits
A guest vocal without a paper trail is a guest vocal with risk. Agree whether the singer gets a flat fee, royalty share or credit only. In the Netherlands, paying for a session does not by itself transfer copyright — assignment needs an explicit arrangement within legal limits.
Spotify or Apple credits go through your distributor; the studio does not push them live. We can note who attended in session logs if that helps metadata later. Session logs are not a substitute for a signed agreement between artists and labels.
Beats, samples and cleared instrumentals
Only bring beats you or your producer may exploit. Uncleared samples in an instrumental can block releases or trigger platform claims. We can record what you supply technically; we do not audit sample clearance.
If a label or publisher is involved, send contract references via contact before the session. Unsure about a loop from a pack? Resolve it before you pay €95 per hour in the booth — mid-take legal debates waste everyone’s energy.
Files, archive and confidentiality
After the session we typically deliver WAV stems as agreed; see file formats for mixing. We keep sessions 24 months unless otherwise agreed, then material may be deleted — keep your own backups on a drive you control.
Unreleased confidential work: say so upfront. We do not share takes with third parties without your consent, except where law requires. Booking data is processed per privacy policy; adjust cookies via .
Payment, VAT and business clients
Rates such as €325 for a half day include 21% VAT for consumers. Business invoices show NL865589860B01 and trade register 63085050 on legal notice. B2B payment may be due within 14 days of invoice.
Deposit 30% on booking; cancellation up to 7 days ahead under terms and conditions. Minimum booking age: 18.
Practical steps before you book
- Confirm who may exploit master and performance, and in which territories.
- Put feature fees, credit and royalties in writing between artists.
- Check beats and samples before the session; the studio does not clear samples.
- Plan file delivery and archive; request exports via contact in time.
- When in doubt: legal advice in the Netherlands, not this article alone.
Band sessions add performers — see band recording budget for planning. General session questions: FAQ or 020 789 0416 on 020 789 0416.
