Why to decide before recording
In our podcast recording we prep voices and room tone (from €135 for two hours). Music choice decides whether your episode sits safely on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. We are happy to mix and edit (€55 per episode), but we cannot clear commercial tracks for you without a licence — that stays your duty as publisher.
Discuss format and music in intake via contact. That avoids rebuilds when a platform mutes or blocks an episode.
Copyright and master rights (short)
Composition (melody, lyrics) and recording (master) are separate rights. Using a well-known song usually requires permission on both sides: rights holders via organisations such as Buma/Stemra for Dutch repertoire, plus permission on the recording via label or distributor.
This article is not legal advice; rules vary by track, territory and platform. When in doubt, hire a specialist before you publish.
Neighbouring rights (Sena) and playlists
Beyond authors’ rights, performers and producers of the recording have neighbouring rights. In the Netherlands Sena handles some collective uses; podcasts are treated differently from radio. Platforms sometimes have blanket deals, sometimes expect you to clear usage yourself.
Importing a Spotify playlist into your show is not a licence to place those songs under your narration. Use music explicitly cleared for podcast/sync, or beds without a commercial master underneath.
Library and royalty-free music
Stock and library tracks come with a licence per use: YouTube, advertising, worldwide, etc. Read the fine print: ‘personal use only’ does not cover a commercial podcast. Keep licence PDF and invoice — that is your evidence in a claim.
Free ‘royalty-free’ without a clear licence is risky. Paid libraries with explicit podcast clauses beat obscure download sites with unknown provenance.
Jingle, intro and custom theme
A custom theme recorded in the studio or written by a composer who assigns rights gives control. Put in writing that you may broadcast, monetise and archive. If Soapwoodcoreco co-writes music, the quote states who keeps which IP — by default rights stay with the creator unless bought out.
Spoken-word only? Skip background music ‘for vibe’ that causes later takedowns; our table setup and EQ already carry much of the atmosphere.
Guests, samples and news clips
Interview guests consent to recording, not automatically to reuse in compilations or ads. Use a guest release that fits your show — templates exist via industry bodies; final legal check remains yours.
Samples from films, TV or other podcasts without clearance are risky. News clips may fall under exceptions, but platforms enforce strictly; treat them as unsafe unless a lawyer says otherwise.
What we do in the studio
We deliver clean dialogue, level balance and light edit as agreed. We can set ducking so music drops under voice if your music is licensed. We do not host your show or publish to platforms on your behalf.
We keep recordings 12 months per privacy policy. Deletion requests are handled in reasonable time; business processing terms via data processing agreement.
Practical workflow steps
- Pick music before recording and archive the licence.
- Mark in your script where music starts and stops.
- Deliver music as WAV separate from dialogue — see stems and formats.
- Check platform rules on upload.
- Keep rights correspondence with your admin.
Pair with vocal prep tips if you sing an intro; vocal jingles follow the same rights as any other music.
Rates, booking and disclaimer
Studio hour €78, sessions and edit are on services. Cancel up to 5 days ahead; 30% deposit under terms and conditions.
Soapwoodcoreco B.V. is not a law firm; for guest or music contracts consult your own adviser. General limits are in disclaimer. Recording questions: [email protected] or 020-737 4821.
