Rights, royalties and the business · updated 2026-08-16

CONTROLLED COMPOSITION CLAUSE

A record deal term capping the mechanicals payable when the artist also wrote the song. It quietly reduces songwriter income.

Contract paperwork, a pen and a vinyl record on a desk in a music office

SOURCES AND CITATIONS

Free, primary references for controlled composition clause — standards bodies, manufacturers, government offices and university course material.

RELATED TERMS IN RIGHTS, ROYALTIES AND THE BUSINESS

Back to the full music glossary or read our latest articles.