Yes, The Weeknd does own his master recordings, which means he has significant control over his musical works.
The Weeknd's Ownership of His Master Recordings
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has maintained ownership of his master recordings ever since he joined his label in 2012. This is a crucial distinction in the music industry, as master ownership dictates who controls the primary sound recordings of an artist's music. Many artists traditionally sign away these rights to record labels in exchange for advances and distribution.
His music is released through XO Records, an imprint that he co-founded. This arrangement ensures that the direct rights to his recorded music remain with him and his team, rather than with a traditional major record label. This structure is a key factor in his long-term financial and creative independence within the industry.
Here's a breakdown of key aspects regarding The Weeknd's music ownership:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Master Recording Ownership | Yes, he has owned his masters since joining his label in 2012. |
| Associated Label | His music is released under XO Records, an imprint he co-founded. |
| Control Over Music | Possesses full artistic and business control over his recorded sound. |
| Revenue Streams | Directly benefits from licensing deals, streaming royalties, and other uses of his masters. |
This level of ownership means that decisions concerning the control, licensing, distribution, and future use of his music, particularly the master recordings, are managed directly by him and his team at XO Records, without external label interference regarding these fundamental rights.
