Who has to approve a new-language version?
A new-language version usually needs permission from four core groups: the master rights holder, the publisher and songwriters, the artist, and any featured performer. The artist’s voice consent is separate from the master licence. Moozz records each permission before production starts. Other performers, translators, producers and sample owners may also be involved, and adapting the lyrics can create a derivative work.
Reviewed and approved by Eduardo García, CEO · Last updated 2026-10-20
This is general information, not legal advice.
The four core permissions
These are the core permissions. The exact set depends on the recording, the changes and the territories. Non-featured performers, translators, producers, sample owners, unions, collecting societies and moral-rights holders may also be involved.
| Who | What they control | What they approve |
|---|---|---|
| Master rights holder | The master recording | Use of the original master recording in the new version |
| Publisher and songwriters | The composition and lyrics | The adapted lyrics and the derivative work |
| Artist | The artist’s voice and performance | The new lead vocal in the new version |
| Featured performers | Their performance on the recording | Use of their part in the new version |
Why lyrics change the rights picture
Changing the lyrics can create a derivative work. The required approvals depend on the rights and the jurisdiction. Moozz confirms the approvals before production. This is general information, not legal advice.
What Moozz records
- Written permission from each rights holder, including the artist’s voice consent.
- A split sheet for each version.
- A new master and ISRC for each version.
- A new or updated ISWC where the composition changes.
- Label copy and metadata for the release.
- A record of the agreed use of the artist’s voice model and project files.
- An AI disclosure where required for each version.
- The original master, unchanged.
What can delay a project
- A missing or conflicting rights holder.
- An unreachable performer.
- Lyrics that need several review rounds.
- A release date that leaves no review time.
What to send to start
Send the master recording, the target language, the rights holders, and any existing split information and ISWC. We confirm the permissions before production starts.
Sources
Questions and answers
Is a new-language version a derivative work?
Changing the lyrics can create a derivative work. The required approvals depend on the rights and jurisdiction. This is general information, not legal advice.
Does the artist have to approve the new lead vocal?
Yes. The artist must give specific written consent to the new lead vocal in the new version. That consent is separate from the master licence and should cover the target language, territory and term.
Does the composition need a new ISWC?
The composition may need a new or updated ISWC where the adapted lyrics create a derivative work. The publisher and Moozz confirm the registration during the project.
Do you use our songs to train AI models?
No. We do not use your master recordings, catalogue or project files to train a shared or general-purpose AI model. The artist’s voice model is built only from recordings the artist has authorised for that use, under the agreed terms.
Do featured performers have to approve?
Yes. Anyone whose performance is on the recording must approve their part. This includes non-featured and session performers where their rights apply.
Can Moozz confirm the rights for us?
Our clearance partner obtains the permissions, and Moozz records them. The rights holders still decide whether to approve.
Release your song in a new language
Send us your master recording and the target language. We will confirm the rights and consents and scope the work.