Who actually holds the copyright in a piece of music artist record company composer publisher or all three?

Answer 1

If a recording is made as part of contracted work (also called work for hire), such as an artist recording a song for a label, it belongs to the contracting party (the label, for an artist). If a recording is made independently, it usually belongs to whoever sponsored the session, or the production. A writer, arranger or other creative person whose input went into a recording can use a copy, to register copyright for their contribution to the work. (Recordings made for or by a label may require permission from the label, for this use.) Obtaining permission to use a prerecorded work as part of a larger work (an anthology, music for soundtracks) can be a complicated process. There may be several copyrights involved: A copyright to the lyrics, a copyright to the music, and a copyright to the performance.

Answer 2

It depends on how contracting language is written, but it's usually a combination of a number of stakeholders.

Upon creation, the song will belong to the songwriter(s)unless other arrangements were made (such as a work made for hire).

It may then be transferred or licensed to a publisher. The publisher likely has standing agreements with one or more rights administrators to handle sub-out licensing, such as a performing rights organization and a print rights administrator.

The copyright owner or administrator may issue a mechanical license that will allow a recording to be made and distributed. At this point, copyright in the song does not transfer: the underlying song is protected, and the recording is protected.

Depending on agreements between the artist, the producer, and the label, any or all of them may have a stake in the resulting recording. Further licensing, such as a master use, is generally done through the label.