Two layers of rights
Music usually involves composition copyright and recording/neighbouring rights. In the Netherlands, collective management covers much public use: composers and publishers via organisations such as Buma/Stemra, performers and producers via Sena for certain broadcasts. Podcast feeds are not automatically covered like linear radio — assume you need clearance per track unless your contract says otherwise.
Our recording and editing at Gregorxyra does not make you rights holder for commercial chart music you drop into the edit. We deliver audio; you handle clearance unless agreed in writing.
Safer sources
Common approaches:
- Music you wrote and recorded, or where the writer grants sync rights in writing
- Stock or library music whose licence explicitly covers podcast and commercial use — read platform fine print
- Commissioned music with fee, territory, duration and exclusivity defined
Random free downloads are rarely safe for monetised podcasts. Store licence PDFs with your project; they are your evidence if a claim arrives later. When in doubt, pick music bundled with an explicit podcast licence rather than a generic “free for YouTube” badge.
Clips and exceptions
Short quotes in news or criticism may fall under exceptions, but that is not a licence to put a full chorus under your intro. Shorter, more analytical use reduces risk — still case-by-case legally.
Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube run content-ID style checks; an episode can be blocked or demonetised while you thought it was “just background”. Treat intro and outro as full music choices with licences.
Guests and speech
Spoken content is governed by your agreement with guests: they typically consent to publish edited speech. Tell guests where the episode will appear. For sensitive topics, agree anonymisation before recording — fixing voices afterward is costly.
Up to four voices fit our podcast room; larger panels need extra planning via contact. Rates: €82 per recording hour, €228 for a finished hour including basic edit, or €64 per editing hour only.
Music we provide
We do not ship a ready-made licensable music catalogue by default. We can integrate silence, ambient from royalty-free sources you supply, or your own jingle during editing. Want us to hire a composer? That is a separate contract and budget — start early, not on export day.
Free SFX packs: verify they allow commercial podcast use. “Personal use only” excludes ads and sponsors.
Sponsors and brands
Sponsor reads in the same episode as unlicensed music increase exposure: commercial use is obvious. Sponsor contracts may restrict artist choices (e.g. competing brands).
Corporate shows from Amsterdam are invoiced by Gregorxyra B.V.; B2B payment term 14 days. You keep content rights unless terms or a statement of work says otherwise. Sponsored episodes with background chart music remain your clearance responsibility even when we handle loudness and edits.
Pre-publish checklist
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Intro/outro | Licence or own recording documented |
| Clips | Guest or source permission |
| Export | Format matched to host (WAV master, MP3 feed) |
| Archive | Projects 24 months with us; you keep licences longer |
For music singles, see mastering file formats on exports.
Next steps
This article is general information, not legal advice. For commercial series, TV syndication or major sponsors, have a specialist review licences. Questions about recording? Contact, 020 261 4873 or the FAQ.
Guest data: privacy policy. Limits of liability: disclaimer. For recording slots, see opening hours Mon–Fri 10–22 · Sat 11–18 at Bilderdijkstraat 78.
